The Voice of Fear (2)

...He will work for you today...' Exodus 14:13

If you're battling fear today, listen to these words from the God Who loves you, protects you and promises to be with you. When there seems to be no way out, He says, 'Fear not; stand still (firm, confident, undismayed) and see the [deliverance] of the Lord which He will work for you today.' Notice the words, 'He will work for you today'. Start looking for evidence of His hand at work in your situation; that's how your faith grows. When the problem looks too big, He says, 'Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you' (Deuteronomy 31:6 AMP). Stop and remind yourself whose company you're in. The One 'Who goes with you' has never lost a battle, and He will win this one. When you feel like you can't cope any more, He says, '...do not look around you... and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties...' (Isaiah 41:10 AMP). Notice the words 'harden you to difficulties'. God usually doesn't lift us out of the problem, He takes us through it and toughens us up. When you lose your peace of mind, He says, 'Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance... continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace... which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds...' (Philippians 4:6-7 AMP). Don't listen to the voice of fear. God is with you today!

God Will Surprise You

See, I am doing a new thing... Isaiah 43:19

Can you imagine Moses surprise when God talks to him from a burning bush? As doors shut without explanation, Paul is surprised by a man from Macedonia calling to him in a vision, '...come over here and help us' (Acts 16:9 TLB). Well, He's still the God of surprises who says, 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?' Ah, there's the challenge - our perception. We fail to recognise God at work! Maybe you're saying, 'I've prayed, claimed God's promises, done all I know to do, yet nothing seems to be working for me.' Then try this promise: 'Therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you...' (Isaiah 30:18 KJV). Notice the word 'wait'. God has a plan and a timetable. 'Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails' (Proverbs 19:21 NIV). Even when your plans flounder, if your heart's right God will still make things turn out for your good and His glory. When it comes to God's guidance, here are some things you need to know. First, ideas go away, but His direction stays. There's persistence in His leading; that's why time is on your side. Second, His direction is impossible to follow without His help. He plans it that way. '...without Me you can do nothing' (John 15:5 NKJV). Third, His direction usually begins with discomfort. Like 'an eagle that stirs up its nest... The Lord... led him...' (Deuteronomy 32:11-12 NIV). A baby eagle is shocked when its mother forces it out of the nest. But that's when it 'finds its wings'. Think about it!

The Cost and Value of Forgiveness

We can easily say that forgive others as God forgive you.
But i know how difficult it is to forgive when someone hurts you.
And i know the value of forgiveness in my life
When i forgave the people who have hurted me,
God helped me to forget
completely what happened in the past,
And i could speak with the person freely
Without remembering the past. And now i got the response that the person who was
forgiven was really happy and overwhelmed with joy.
That is the truth of forgiveness.
This is what God has done once for all in the Cross

Pray about Everything

...pray about everything...Tell God what you need... Philippians 4:6

The four-year-old son of a missionary family in Africa spotted a picture of a little pink dinosaur in a magazine and set his heart on having one. His mum knew it was impossible (the magazine was three years old), but her son never doubted God would come through for him. Ten months later, on Christmas Eve, a box from home arrived. At first glance it seemed to contain something special for everyone-except a four-year-old boy. Then they reached the bottom-and they were stunned. The lady who sent the box had no way of knowing God would use her to answer a little boy's prayer. Before taping up the box, at the last minute, she tossed in the one item impossible for his parents to provide-something so insignificant no rational adult would ever have been foolish enough to ask God for...a pink plastic brontosaurus from a fast-food restaurant promotion! Sometimes we feel foolish bothering God with little things, but we shouldn't. The Bible says: '...pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.' (Philippians 4:6 NLT). God is interested in every detail of your life; if something is important to you, it's important to Him. In Bible times two sparrows were sold for a penny (on sale you could buy five for two pennies!) yet Jesus said, '...not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it...the very hairs on your head are all numbered' (Matthew 10:29-30 NLT). When you learn to trust God in little things, you'll be able to trust Him in big ones.

Thank You Lord

God is faithful in His promises throughout this year.
He promised that no weapon formed against you shall prevail.
In the midst of many situations He has been good to me.

Never Betray a Confidence

...he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter. Proverbs 11:13
We all need a shoulder to cry on. When we're battling habits and hang-ups we need a safe place to go, confident we'll be loved, understood, supported and prayed for. If those who are hurting can't find these qualities in church, where are they supposed to go? The betrayal of a confidence is a terrible sin. 'But what I said was true,' you object. So what? 'A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.'(Proverbs 11:13 NKJV) Note the words 'reveals' and 'conceals.' The Hippocratic Oath says: 'Whatsoever I shall see or hear in the course of my profession, I will never divulge, holding such things to be holy secrets.' That oath is taken by physicians and other professionals in positions of trust. But it ought to be binding on every one of us! How would you feel if your doctor, counsellor, minister or a trusted friend violated your confidence and broadcast your holy secrets? Hurt? Betrayed? The longer we live the more we realise there's a severe shortage of people who can be trusted to keep their mouths shut, and the more we value them. If you were asked to define a person of integrity, wouldn't the ability to keep a confidence be close to the top of your list? So here are some ground rules to live by: a) Instead of talking, pray about it; b) Instead of criticising, look for something good; c) Instead of showing anger, show grace. How you handle others determines how God will handle you!

Fresh Oil

...You anoint my head with oil... Psalm 23:5

The shepherd anoints his sheep with oil for two purposes. First, to repel insects. If allowed to deposit their eggs into the soft membrane of a sheep's nose they can drive the sheep insane; the ewes stop giving milk and the lambs stop growing. So the shepherd anoints his sheep with an oil-like repellent that keeps the enemy at bay and the flock at peace. Second, to heal wounds. Most wounds result from living with the flock. So the shepherd regularly inspects his sheep because he doesn't want today's wound to become tomorrow's infection. Whether circumstances are driving you crazy, or you've just been wounded as a result of living with the flock, always go to the Shepherd. Before you go to anybody else, go to God because 'He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds' (Psalm 147:3 NIV). Then, bow before Him. In order to be anointed the sheep must lower their heads and let the shepherd apply the oil. Humble yourself, call on the Lord. 'God will always give what is right to his people who cry to him... he will not be slow to answer them' (Luke 18:7 NCV). David writes, '...I shall be anointed with fresh oil' (Psalm 92:10). Yesterday's oil is quickly contaminated by the dirt and grime of the journey, so you must go to God daily and ask Him to empower you with His Spirit. A sheep doesn't understand how the oil works, but it doesn't have to. It's enough to know that something happens in the presence of its shepherd that happens nowhere else.

Live Caleb's Way (1)

...the Lord has kept me alive... Joshua 14:10

At the ripe old age of eighty-five, Caleb said to Joshua, '...the Lord has kept me alive...just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war...give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day...And Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb...because he wholly followed the Lord...' (Joshua 14:10-14 NKJV). There was nothing half-baked or half-hearted about Caleb. His dream kept him alive; he got out of bed every morning intent on pursuing it. When God gives you a dream as big as a mountain, it will keep you going while others around you are giving up. But be careful who you listen to. Don't let the critics discourage you by saying, 'You're too old.' The Bible says that like a palm tree, you can produce your greatest harvest of fruit in your final years (Psalm 92:12-14). When the sun goes down the stars come out-so you can shine brightest in the closing chapters of your life. Barbara Klassen says: 'My great-great uncle lived to one hundred and six. He was healthy and spry and took joy in chauffeuring his less able-bodied senior friends around town. On his hundredth birthday his driver's licence came up for renewal. When he went to the licensing bureau a sceptical clerk said, 'You're a hundred years old! What do you need a driver's licence for?' My uncle, completely nonplussed, replied, 'Somebody has to drive the old folks around!' He continued to have a legal driver's licence for the next five years.' Do it Caleb's way: live to the moment you die!

It's Only Money

Keep your [life] free from the love of money... Hebrews 13:5
A lot of us think that the goal of work is to accumulate enough money so that we can quit working. No, if your work is not fulfilling, eventually you'll resent it. That's so, whether you make much or little. Money alone is not worth giving your life to. John Ortberg writes, 'I have a friend. He's a businessman. He is in his seventies now. Years ago I attended his church when he gave a terrific message. We talked afterwards and he said to me, "You know, when I was a young man I always felt that I ought to go into pastoral ministry."I asked him, "Why didn't you?"Well, when it came right down to it, it was just money. He was doing well in the business world so he didn't follow what he sensed was God's calling on his life. Now he was financially secure - but he was running out of time. It's only money! We get all twisted up in knots over it, stay awake at night thinking about it, stew, get anxious, scheme, trade away our integrity to get a little more of it... and we worry that somebody else might get hold of it. It's only money! It's never a reason not to follow Christ. It's never a reason not to do the thing that He has called you to do.' Billy Graham hit the bull's-eye when he said, 'If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will help straighten out almost every other area of his life.' It's okay to make money, and enjoy money, but 'Keep your [life] free from the love of money'.

Know Your Life's Vision

...called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Nobody can give you a vision for your life, but here's how to find yours.1) Look within you. What moves you? What are you excited about? Paul said, '...I am compelled to preach...' (1 Corinthians 9:16 NIV). 2) Look behind you. What has life taught you? Experience provides us with the wisdom needed to fulfil our destiny. What does your past tell you about your future? 3) Look around you. God never calls us alone. Moses needed 70 elders. Jesus picked 12 disciples. Paul spoke of those who worked with him. Fulfilling your destiny requires having the right people in your life. 4) Look ahead of you. Helen Keller said, 'The only thing that's worse than being blind, is having sight but no vision.' What do you see through the eye of faith? St Augustine said, 'Faith is to believe what we do not see, and the reward of faith is to see what we believe.' 5) Look beside you. What resources are available to you, for example, books, CDs, conferences and mentors? If your vision is not bigger than you, it's not of God. And the greater it is, the more resources it will require. 6) Look above you. Jeremiah writes, '...They speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the Lord' (Jeremiah 23:16 NKJV). We are 'called according to His purpose', not according to the need, or the fact that the door is open, or that our talent will be appreciated and well rewarded. Your vision must fulfil your God-ordained destiny, nothing else. So, do you need to recognise your vision, resurrect your vision, or refocus on your vision?

Get Alone And Pray

In the message "The Courts of God" we saw how the presence of God is to be cherished above all else. We considered that not even a thousand days in an earthly paradise can compare to a single day in the presence of God. And yet, though we may understand the value of His presence, we seldom make the decisions or exercise the discipline required to enter.
Luke 5:15-16
"The news about Him spread all the more, so the crowds of people came to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."
Jesus had a relationship with the Father which can only be described as absolute perfection; "If you really knew Me, you would know My Father as well. Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father" (John 14:7,9). We long for and desperately seek the presence of God, but Jesus Christ IS the very presence of God: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us" (John 1:1,14).
And though He had perfect union with the Father, created the entire Universe, and demonstrated complete control over the elements of nature as He "rebuked the wind and the raging waters" (Luke 8:24), Jesus still made time to be alone with the Father in prayer. Why?Prior to the important decision of choosing His twelve apostles, Jesus "went out to a mountainside and spent the night praying" (Luke 6:12). On the night before He was crucified, Jesus was in such anguish that He prayed until "His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground" (Luke 22:44). Jesus, through His life and death, taught us how we ought to relate to God...and it's a lesson we must not ignore!
If Jesus, who is Perfection, demonstrated such need of prayer, how much more necessary is it for us who contain so many flaws and so easily drift away from God. We cannot wave our hand to calm the storm, but we CAN pray for patience and the strength to endure, and relentlessly ask for His help. We are to live in such constant communion with God that we "pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17), even as we drive in busy traffic, manage multiple assignments, or care for noisy children.
But each of us must also set aside time, which is "often" and regular, where we can withdraw to a quiet place. Yes, the presence of God can be found in the midst of our busyness, but we all need times of quiet where we can be refreshed and receive direction - times when we can simply lift our hearts to God and say "Thank You!" Let's develop and maintain the discipline of entering the courts of His presence. Let's regularly set aside times of quiet to get alone and pray.

Rise Above Worry

God... is the... controller of all things. 1 Timothy 6:15

We all worry from time to time, but wise people have learned to avoid over-anxiety by following these guidelines. 1) Define the situation clearly. What exactly is it you're worrying about? Be specific. Often when we take time to clarify the problem, a way to solve it will present itself. 2) Face the worst that can happen. Would you lose your job? Your relationship? Your investment? In most cases even if the worst did happen, chances are it wouldn't ruin you. It may be inconvenient or painful, but does it really warrant all the anxiety you're giving it? 3) Resolve to accept the outcome, whatever it is. Most of the stress of worry comes from denial, from not being willing to face the worst that could happen. Once you make up your mind to accept whatever happens, you'll find worry loses its power over you. 4) Work to improve the situation. Renowned neurologist James H Austin said, 'Chance favours those in motion.' Do all you can to ensure the best possible outcome, and '...after you have done everything... stand' (Ephesians 6:13 NIV). Stand on God's promises! 5) Give the problem to God. He's 'the... controller of all things'. The Psalmist said, 'Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you' (Psalm 9:10 NIV). Remember, nothing can happen to you today, or any other day, that God is not aware of, in control of, and able to bring you through.

Your Child's Love

..."These are the children God has given me..." Genesis 33:5

It's easy to complain about the things you don't have, and overlook or take for granted the things you do - simple things that enrich your life! Maybe this story by Dr James Dobson will help change your perspective. 'Some time ago a friend of mine punished his three-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became upset when she tried to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree. Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, "This is for you, Daddy." He was embarrassed by his earlier over-reaction. But his anger flared again when he opened the box and found it empty. He shouted at her, "Don't you know that when you give someone a present there's supposed to be something inside?" The little girl looked up at him in tears and said, "Oh, Daddy, it's not empty. I blew kisses into it. I filled it with my love and I wrapped it up just for you." He was crushed. Quickly he put his arms around her, hugged her and asked for her forgiveness. My friend told me that he kept that gold box by his bed for years, and whenever he got discouraged he'd take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it in there. In a very real sense, each of us parents has been given a gold container filled with the unconditional love of our children. There's not a more precious possession anyone could hold.'

Performance-Based or Grace-Based?

..."Those... hired last... you paid... the same as... us. Matthew 20:12

In Christ's parable five different groups of workers are hired. The first group complained when those who worked only the last hour got paid the same wages as those who worked all day. They are typical of performance-based Christians. They think that because they avoid certain sins, God's getting a good deal. Instead of rejoicing with those who come late to the kingdom, they're resentful. They're easy to spot because they've three characteristics. They show a complaining spirit. They overlook the good, home in on the negative, and seek out people who agree with them. What's the cure? A good memory! Recalling what God has done for you, and all the grace-based benefits of His love you enjoy each day. Performance-based Christians have also got a resentful spirit. Instead of resting in God's grace they act like duty-bound soldiers - conscripts, not volunteers. They struggle constantly for God's approval, never feel like they measure up, and their hostility prevents them from experiencing joy. But the moment they begin to reflect on God's goodness to them, their resentment begins to lessen. Finally, they show a judgmental spirit. 'It's not fair,' they think. 'I did the work and they get the credit.' They forget that God dispenses gifts, - not wages. 'he does not... repay us according to our iniquities' (Psalm 103:10 NIV), but lavishes us with grace and mercy. So who are these grace-based Christians? Latecomers with no contracts or merits; their relationship with God is based solely on grace. They're happy with whatever He's offering, humbled by His goodness, and motivated to work by overwhelming gratitude.

Keep the Torch Burning!

...The race is not to the swift... Ecclesiastes 9:11

In Ancient Greek marathons a torch was handed to each runner at the starting line. To win, they had to cross the finishing line with their torch still burning. What a picture! '...unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required...' (Luke 12:48 KJV). In God's kingdom you are called to run your best race and cross the finishing line with the fire in your heart still burning. The torch race was a tough one that led through mountains and valleys. Doubtless there were times when others would pass you by, when your strength would fail, when you lost your way and had to get back on track, or stumbled and had to get back up. What counted in this race was not style, but staying power! The Bible says, 'Run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus... lest you become weary and discouraged...' (Hebrews 12:1-3 NKJV). How did Jesus run His race? As a boy of 12 He told His parents, '...I must be about my Father's business"' (Luke 2:49NKJV). Later, when the crowd tried to take Him in a different direction and impose their agenda on Him, He said, 'I must work the works of Him that sent Me...' (John 9:4 NKJV). Facing the cross, He announced, '...For this cause I was born...' (John 18:37 NKJV). On the cross, He announced, '..."It is finished!"...' (John 19:30NKJV). In Revelation we see one of our last recorded glimpses of Christ, and '...His eyes [are] like a flame of fire' (Revelation 1:14 NKJV). He crossed the finishing line with the torch still burning. And He is your example!

Strive for Integrity, Not Popularity

The integrity of the honest keeps them on track... Proverbs 11:3

Joseph refused the advances of Potiphar's wife, not because he thought he couldn't get away with it, but because he knew he couldn't live with himself if he accepted them. Ted Engstrom writes, 'The world needs people who cannot be bought; whose word is their bond; who put character above wealth; who possess opinions and a will; who are larger than their vocations; who don't hesitate to take chances; who won't lose their individuality in a crowd; who will be as honest in small things as they are in great things; who will make no compromise with wrong; whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires; who will not say they do it "because everybody else does it"; who are true to their friends through good report and evil report, in adversity as well as in prosperity; who do not believe that shrewdness, cunning and hard-heartedness are the best qualities for winning success; who are not afraid to stand for the truth even when it's unpopular; who say "no" with emphasis, even though the rest of the world says "'yes".' In what he calls a compromise of integrity, psychiatrist Leo Randall analyses the relationship between former President Nixon and some of his closest confidants in the Watergate scandal. He records a conversation between Senator Howard Baker and Nixon aide Herbert Porter. Baker: 'Did you ever have qualms about what you were doing?' Porter: 'No!' Baker: 'Why?' Porter: 'Group pressure. I was afraid of not being considered a team player.' So strive for integrity, not popularity!

God Rewards Diligence

Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. Proverbs 10:4

Ruth was working as a farmhand when Boaz picked her to be his wife. Elisha was ploughing his fields when Elijah hired him to be his assistant. Peter, James and John were fishing when Jesus chose them to be disciples. God calls people with a proven work ethic. Not once did Jesus call lazy people, or those sitting around waiting for their big break. In God's eyes there are no menial jobs, only menial attitudes. Whether you're the caretaker or the CEO, '... it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. (1 Corinthians 4:2 NAS). God will only give you more when you've proven yourself with what you've got. The Bible says, 'He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich' (Proverbs 10:4 NKJV). 'The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich' (Proverbs 13:4 NKJV). 'Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings...' (Proverbs 22:29 NKJV). Blessing follows work just as surely as reaping follows sowing. 'The Lord will command the blessing on... all to which you set your hand...' (Deuteronomy 28:8 NKJV). God blesses dreams, but not daydreamers. You've got to get up and go to work! 'Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it' (Genesis 2:15 NKJV). When God made Adam He put him to work, because productivity is essential to self-esteem. So discern where you belong, work hard, then when something needs to be done God will know where to find you.

The Ability to Wait Well

My soul, wait silently for God... Psalm 62:5

Daniel Coleman calls the ability to wait well 'the master attitude'. Having it requires three qualities. First, humility. '...as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters...So our eyes look to the Lord...' (Psalm 123:2 NKJV). The story's told about a man who waited so long to see his doctor that he ended up sending the doctor a bill for his time! Seriously, in life there's a correlation between status and waiting. Lower status people generally wait for higher status ones, and the wise learn to wait with grace. Waiting reminds us that we're not in charge; it humbles us in ways we need to be humbled Second, trust. 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding' (Proverbs 3:5 NKJV). Among trapeze artists, a special relationship exists between the flyer and the catcher. Once the flyer lets go, he must trust the catcher to grab him. Likewise, we must do what God tells us, then wait for Him, even when we don't clearly see His hand at work. Those are the seasons that deepen and develop our faith. Finally, expectation. 'My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.'(Psalm 62:5 NKJV) Eugene Peterson writes, 'In prayer, we are aware that God is in action, and that when the circumstances are ready, when others are in the right place, and when our hearts are prepared, He will call us into action. Waiting in prayer is a disciplined refusal to act before God acts.' So the word for you today is, 'Learn to wait well, it's the master attitude!

Work on Your Attitude!

...the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. Psalm 32:10

The most important choice you make each day is your choice of an attitude. So choose, first, an attitude of thanksgiving. 'In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God... for you' (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV). Paul was in prison when he wrote those words, so his attitude wasn't based on his surroundings; it was a choice he made. Second, choose an attitude of trust. '...the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.' Where does such trust come from? Feeding daily on God's Word! Nehemiah's wall-builders were surrounded by enemies, yet they were able to 'celebrate... because they understood the words which had been made known to them' (Nehemiah 8:12 NAS). God's Word gives you confidence! Satan doesn't fear your sin; he knows God can forgive it. He doesn't fear your depression; he knows God can drive it away. He doesn't fear your lack; he knows God can provide. He fears your discovery of God's Word, because your ignorance of it is the most effective weapon he can use against you. Finally, choose an attitude of love. 'These things I have spoken to you... that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another...' (John 15:11-12 NKJV). Love says, 'I accept you as you are, care when you hurt, desire only what's best for you, and erase all offences.' It refuses to look for ways to run, and opts for working things through. It's resilient. While the world around gives the opposite advice, love stands firm.

Always Give Your Best

...Don't just do the minimum that will get you by... Colossians 3:23

One of Michelangelo's greatest masterpieces was his sculpture of David. He worked on it with such passion that he often slept in his clothes, resenting the time it took to take them off and put them on again. He repeatedly examined and measured the marble to see what pose it could accommodate. He made hundreds of sketches of possible attitudes, and detailed drawings from models. He tested his ideas in wax on a small scale, and only when he was satisfied did he pick up his chisel and mallet. He approached the painting of the Sistine Chapel with the same intensity. Lying at uncomfortable angles on hard boards, breathing the suffocating air just under the vault, he suffered from inflamed eyes and skin irritation from the plaster dust. For the next four years he literally sweated in physical distress; but look at what he produced! Dr Martin Luther King Jr said, 'If a man is called to be a street sweeper he should sweep streets as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause and say, "Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well"'. If you're not passionate about what you do, find something you can be passionate about! Don't just strive to make money, strive to make a difference. Significance should be your goal, not survival. Paul gives us the ultimate reason for always giving our best: '...Don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best... Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ' (vv. 23-24 TM).