A Lesson from Jesus

God created the heavens and the earth, as well as mankind to inhabit it, (c.f., Genesis 1:1, 27). His plan was to dwell with his creation, but mankind chose to follow creation rather than the Creator. This caused the Fall that leaves our world tainted with sin, and will continue to do so until Christ’s return. Yet God planned in advance for our Redemption through the sacrifice of his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, (c.f., John 3:16-17). Today we continue in the New Testament and we enter the story as Christ is warning his disciples of things to come.

John 13:1b, 3, and 7 (NIV)  ^1bJesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. ... ³Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God... ⁷Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

God’s plan for Redemption would culminate in the death and resurrection of his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus knew that time for the fulfillment of God’s Redemptive plan was imminent. He spent his last hours preparing the disciples for what was to come. And although the disciples were not yet aware, Jesus bestowed upon them the most precious of promises—an advocate who would help them during the time Jesus would be with his Father until the promised time for Christ’s return—the time of Restoration.

John 14:16-18 (NIV)  ¹⁶And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—¹⁷the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. ¹⁸I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

This is truly amazing. Yet the promise to his disciples is only part of the promise; Jesus extended this promise beyond his disciples to all people yet to follow. The promised advocate includes us. We are not left alone. For those who choose to believe, the Spirit dwells with us and within us.

John 17:20 (NIV) ²⁰“My prayer is not for them alone, I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.”

Acts 2:21 and 38-39 (NIV) [Peter’s message] ²¹And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. ... ³⁸Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Forgive our sins and for the many ways in which we fall short of your glory. Thank you for redemption through your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for the promised Holy Spirit to advocate for us, to comfort us, and to guide us until the time you have determined for Christ to return, when all things will be restored. We give to you all honor and glory.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

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Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

A Lesson from David

The temptation for us is to view the Bible as a book about us, our needs and our wants, and as a guide for planning out our daily course of action. Yet if we read carefully, we discover the Bible is a Book about God; his Creation, the fall and disobedience of God’s creation, God’s plan of Redemption, and God’s promise of Restoration. When we read carefully, we see within all the smaller stories a much larger story that tells us who God is and what he expects from his faithful ones. Today, our text visits the life of the Psalmist David, who finds himself in the midst of affliction and oppression.

Psalm 10:14, 17 (NIV)  ¹⁴But you, God see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. ... ¹⁷You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry...

How humbly grateful and thankful I am that I have never experienced true affliction or oppression. The old 1964 Webster’s on my desk tells me that affliction is intense pain, suffering, and misery particularly caused by calamity. An oppressive burden is that which causes physical or mental distress as by some cruel or unjust entity. How quick the world seems to be to claim social injustice, affliction, and oppression as the reasons for all the difficulties and challenges we experience in life. While affliction and oppression do exist in our sin-tainted world; most of us will never experience it. The Psalmist David, did.

But we are jumping too far ahead, because this text isn’t about David. It’s about God. It’s about our omniscient God who sees everything, hears everything, and knows everything. Does he see the affliction and oppression caused as evil filters into the world? Yes, he does. Does he hear the cries of those in trouble? Yes, he does, (c.f., Psalm 11:4-5; 1 Peter 3:12). Does he intend to respond? He already has!

John 3:16-17 (NIV)  ¹⁶For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Revelation 21:2-5 (NIV) ²I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. ³And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

We recognize those who are truly suffering from affliction and oppression in our sin-tainted world. We offer prayers for help and comfort on their behalf. Forgive us for the times we elevate or exaggerate our own struggles and difficulties; yet we still humbly ask for the comfort, strength, and encouragement that only you can provide. Thank you for the blessed hope you give us through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

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Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

A Lesson from Joshua

Our story begins after the death of Moses when the LORD commissions Joshua to be the leader of the Israelite people. The commission comes with remembrance, instruction, and promise.

Joshua 1:5b-9 (NIV)  ^5b“As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. ⁶Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. ⁷Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. ⁸Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. ⁹Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Once again we notice the attributes of the LORD God Almighty. He is omnipresent; never leaving nor forsaking his faithful ones. He is also omnipotent; for he provides all the power and might Joshua will need to fulfill the mission God is giving to him. Yet we also see the warning; be obedient; know God’s word and follow it—do not deviate from it—keep it on your lips and meditate on it day and night. What was Joshua’s response?

Joshua 1:10-11a (NIV)  ¹⁰so Joshua ordered the officers of the people: ¹¹“Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your provisions ready...’”

This is a story from the Old Testament. We may wonder; “that was then; this is now” what makes this story relevant to us today? From the story of Joshua we learn that God will prepare us for whatever task he assigns us. God has provided his written Word which has been preserved through the ages. The two greatest tasks he has given us is to love the Lord our God with our whole being, and to love others, (c.f., Matthew 22:37-40). Those two tasks are the foundation upon which our Heavenly Father may ask us to use other gifts, talents, and abilities for His service. Joshua did not hesitate to fulfill the task God set before him. His response was immediate...tell the people to get ready. So the question for us becomes, are we ready to do whatever the Lord asks of us? Are we willing to use the talents, gifts, and abilities the Lord has provided to us in order to serve Him?

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the story of Joshua which teaches us how you prepare us in many ways to work for you. We confess whatever hinders us or causes hesitation. You provide all the strength and courage we need to fulfill whatever tasks you set before us. Grant us the willing spirit to obey.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

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Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

A Lesson from Jacob

Our story begins as Jacob leaves Beersheba and sets out for Haran in order to find a wife from his father Isaac’s clan. In the days before hotel lodging, Jacob simply uses a stone for a pillow and camps out for the night. Jacob’s dream that night has been the topic of many children’s Sunday School stories as well as sermons. We see the famous stairway reaching the heavens with angels both ascending and descending. Yet I wonder if we notice the true story. For above the stairway stands El-Shaddai, the LORD God Almighty, and he has a message for Jacob. The message is both one of the blessing of offspring, and the promise of God’s watch-care.

Genesis 28:15 (NIV) ¹⁵“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

What small lesson can we glean from this story? Through the story of Jacob we catch a glimpse of God’s omniscience; that He is always very aware of the activity of all creation. Nothing is hidden from his sight, (c.f., Hebrews 4:13). We catch a glimpse of God’s omnipresence; that he is with us always, never will he leave us and never will he forsake us, (c.f., Deuteronomy 31:8; Hebrews 13:5). We have the assurance that God keeps his promises; his word will not fail, (c.f., Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 5:18; Luke 21:33). What was Jacob’s response?

Genesis 28:16 (NIV) ¹⁶When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.”

How does this relate to us today? We must ask ourselves, how often do I take the time to realize that my Heavenly Father is aware of my every thought, word, or action? Nothing I think, say, or do is hidden from his sight. Yet he also promises that he will never leave me nor forsake me...even during the times I am not aware of his presence in my life. He will never fail me. In a world where trust is hard to find; I can fully trust my Heavenly Father.

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Too many times we forget to be aware of your presence in our lives. Please forgive us. Surely you are with us, even when we are not aware of it. Thank you for this precious promise.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

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Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

A Lesson from Hagar

Our story begins with the distress of Sarai over her inability to give her husband, Abram, a son. As was the custom of the day, she presented her handmaid, Hagar, to Abram in order to give Abram the opportunity of offspring. However as soon as Hagar realizes she is pregnant she begins to despise her mistress, and in turn, Sarai mistreats Hagar to the point Hagar can no longer bear. Hagar runs away to the desert where she is soon visited.

Genesis 16:7-8 (NIV)  ⁷The angel of the LORD found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. ⁸and he said, “Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?”  “I’m running away from my mistress Sarai,” she answered.

Notice the questioning does not begin with “Who are you?”, because the angel of the LORD already knows who she is. He also is very aware of where she is from and what she is doing. The questioning seems to be a test of honesty. Hagar’s response was an honest one; “I’m running away...” The messenger is just as honest in his response. He confirms Hagar is pregnant, and he blesses her with the promise of many descendants. He gives her instructions for the child’s name, Ishmael, which means, “God hears.” But he also cautions her that Ishmael will be “a wild donkey of a man (v 12). Hagar is further instructed to return to her mistress and continue her responsibilities of service.

What small lesson can we glean from this story? Through the story of Hagar we catch a glimpse of the Big Story of the Bible; we see the Fall in both Hagar’s attitude and Sarai’s response. We see the Redemption in the promise of a child, and the Restoration of Hagar to return home. What was Hagar’s response?

Genesis 16:13 (NIV) ¹³She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”

How does this relate to us today? Our Heavenly Father knows us by name. He knows who we are, where we have come from, what we are doing, and what we are running away from. He seeks our honest answers. He is always ready to forgive and offer us redemption through his Son, Jesus Christ. He is gracious and merciful in restoring us to new life in Christ.

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

You know us completely. You know our concerns. You know the attitudes of our hearts. Yet you are so gracious to forgive and restore. Thank you for being the God Who Sees.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  A Lesson from Hagar appeared first on

Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

Strength in the LORD

1 Samuel 30:6b (NIV)  But David found strength in the LORD his God.

2 Samuel 22:31-33 (NIV)  As for God, his way is perfect: the LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. 

            In times of crisis, David found strength in the LORD. In times of rejoicing, David found strength in the LORD. What better lesson could there be for us today?

            In times of crisis, we find our strength in the LORD. In times of rejoicing, we find our strength in the LORD.

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            You are our Rock and the strength that keeps us secure through all of life’s challenges. In times of crisis, we thank you for the strength you provide. In times of rejoicing we thank you for the strength you provide.

                                                In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

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Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Keep Watch and Be Ready

John 13:7 (NIV)  Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

John 13:19 (NIV)  “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am.”

John 14:29 (NIV)  “I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. 

            At different times in his ministry, and for various reasons, Jesus told the disciples in advance things he wanted them to know and understand, and recall at a later time. Jesus explained his reason for washing their feet; that in regard to being a servant, they would not understand until later. Jesus told them in advance that he would be betrayed so that they might know and understand who Jesus was and they would believe. Jesus told them in advance that he would leave them in order that the Holy Spirit would come and that in the meantime they should not lose hope.

            Jesus’ words during his ministry also included a message to us today...

Matthew 24:42, 44 (NIV)  “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” ... “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

            When Jesus speaks, he means what he says, and his words will not fail. Jesus has told us in advance that he will come again. We are to keep watch and be ready!

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you, dear Lord, that in advance you prepared for our salvation. Thank you, dear Lord, that in advance you have promised to return. May we keep watch and be ready.

                                                In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  Keep Watch and Be Ready appeared first on

Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

 

Taking a Stroll Through Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy 5:29, 32-33 and 6:5, 13a (NIV)  Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever! ... So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in obedience to all that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess. ... Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. ... Fear the LORD your God, serve him only...

Deuteronomy 10:12-13 (NIV)  And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the LORD’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?

Deuteronomy 13:4 (NIV)  It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.

Deuteronomy 26:16-17 (NIV)  The LORD your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul. You have declared this day that the LORD is your God and that you will walk in obedience to him, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws—that you will listen to him.

Deuteronomy 28:1, 10, 13b-14 (NIV)    If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. ... Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they will fear you. ... If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them.

            Dear Reader, if it is your custom to scroll quickly through the scriptures provided and jump down to the written text; I encourage you to go back and read each text carefully and thoughtfully. There is very little that needs to be added by way of commentary.  What God required of his people then is what God still requires of us today:

·         love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your mind; with every fiber of your being

·       serve only the LORD your God, and do not turn aside to follow any other man-made, human-generated, nor self-proclaimed god; nor the current “religions” of the world

·         walk in obedience to the LORD your God; fully trusting and obeying him

·         maintain a reverent fear and honor for the LORD your God

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            All you have ever asked of your people was love, faithfulness, and obedience. That is all you ask of us today: to love you, to be faithful to you, and to obey you. Thank you for forgiveness offered through your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

                                                            In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  Taking a Stroll Through Deuteronomy appeared first on

Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Life Challenges

Isaiah 41:10, 13 (NIV)  So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ... For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

            Challenges in life come in many forms, shapes, sizes and length or duration of time. Our prayer list at church grows longer each week and we remember every precious name in prayer. Meanwhile, many of us face our own challenges as well. Perhaps there are medical concerns, both new and continued. Perhaps financial stress. Perhaps it is the miles that separate us from our loved ones. I do not know what challenges you may be facing in this current season of life; but I know this... our loving Heavenly Father is faithful and he will go with us through each challenge no matter what it is or how long it lasts. God is the one who strengthens us and provides the courage we need to persevere.

Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)  The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            You know each and every one of the life challenges we face. You know our financial concerns. You know our health concerns. You know our family concerns. You know all of our struggles. Yet the one constant we have is You. You go with us; you lead us; you guide us; you comfort us; you give us courage and strength just when we need it most. Thank you for your presence in our lives.

                                                                        In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  Life Challenges appeared first on

Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

How well are we doing?

Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)  ⁴²They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

            Today’s text has been the foundation for countless sermons, lessons, and exposés. I count myself as among the least qualified to ever critique any church, but yet sometimes I cannot help but take a sneak peek at how well we are doing.

            The early church was a church of fellowship. What I find interesting is that this is not the first quality mention, yet is the first quality present in most churches today. We have the “fellowship thing” down to a science as they say. Most churches have no lack of fellowship groups and opportunities. Hear me well, this is a great quality for any church of Christian believers! However, fellowship is not the primary function of a church.

            Notice some of the other qualities and characteristics: the early church was a learning church; a praying church; a reverent church; and a worshiping church. I have heard is said that a wasted day is a day when we fail to learn something new or fail to delve deeper into something we thought we knew. Christian churches often do well today with the presentation of sermons, messages, and opportunities to learn; yet for Christians today with access to their own Bibles we might add the responsibility of personal study and growth. The early church was devoted to prayer. Just like those early Christians, we too, realize that we cannot meet life circumstances in our own strength and that we do not need to. We can meet life’s challenges with more courage, when we meet with our Heavenly Father first in prayer. When we consider reverence as fear built upon a deep sense of awe, we live in reverence to God because we know the whole earth (not just the church building) is the temple of the living God. Everywhere we go and everything we do should reflect our reverence for our Heavenly Father.

            When I stop to think about our churches today in respect to being a place of worship; I pause. There are some churches today that give the sense of attending a rock band concert—everything is for show and entertainment—lights, camera, action! There are some churches today that give the sense of ritualistic roboticism—we follow the script, the same script, and nothing but the script. Somehow I wonder if either of those extremes can truly qualify as worship. Worship is not about us or our needs; it is about giving our Heavenly Father all the glory, honor, and praise due to Him alone.

            The early church was a caring church; a sharing church; and a happy church. As a body of believers, we can do everything “right;” we can fellowship, we can learn, we can pray, we can be reverent, and we can worship. All of this will only meet our own needs, and means little if we fail to reach out to others and bring them in. A church that cares for others and shares with those in need; a church that participates in ministries of various kinds, is a church on the right tract of reflecting the love of God to a world in desperate need of love. This leads to being a happy church. The thought comes to my mind that a gloomy Christian is an oxymoron—a contradiction in terms.

            Dear Readers, I have no idea what your church affiliation might be, but I would leave you with this question;  If you sense your church is not on the right track in some way, if you feel there is room for improvement in some area, what are YOU doing to make a difference?

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for the example of the early Christian church. Our world is so different now, but we realize these foundational truths remain the same; we are to be loving, caring, sharing, learning, praying, worshiping, in total reverence to You. Show us the areas in our own church that are not on track, and give us motivation to improve. May everything we think, say, and do be to Your honor and glory.

                                                                        In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

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Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.