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Holy Ghost

Remember, It’s Not Just You Out There

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I am so thankful to be serving a God whose presence wants to dwell within us. Words sometimes cannot begin to find what I need to say to express how grateful that I am that I have the comfort of the spirit to continue to lead me on.

One of the most important functions of the Holy Ghost (spirit) is that it is a teacher for you. The presence of God will not only teach you to stray from the things that would lead you out into sin in a greater way but also help you other aspects of your life as well!

I remember being in college and how I had such a hard time with a couple of particular classes that year. As I began to seek the Lord more for understanding, God provided in the simplest of ways and far beyond what I expected. You see, I didn’t have the patience or drive to try and learn anything so I would give up too quick. God gave me peace and patience to help me endure, and “D’s'” became “B’s”!

Remember: when you are in the middle of life, you are not alone! The spirit of God is there to help you and remind you that it’s not just you out there!

By The Way, It’s Okay To Worship

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1 Peter 1:3-18

[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
[4] To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
[5] Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
[6] Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
[7] That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
[8] Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
[9] Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
[10] Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
[11] Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
[12] Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
[13] Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
[14] As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
[15] But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
[16] Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
[17] And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
[18] Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

We need to learn how to allow ourselves to rejoice. We can love the word of God all that we want to, but we have to learn to get ourselves more spiritually dominant and subjective to be able to receive the word! This kind of thing comes with the breaking down of all the things that would hinder us every time we come to church!

As we read in the word of God in various areas, the instruments were used many times to soothe the spirits that were trying to hinder them. Taking advantage of praise and worship is a must in our lives! It’s okay to worship!

We must in order to bring ourselves to a meek and lowly state to receive the word of God. Only when we are lowly will we actually APPLY what God is providing us to use through the word!

1 Peter 2:1-10

[1] Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
[2] As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
[3] If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
[4] To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
[5] Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
[6] Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
[7] Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
[8] And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
[9] But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
[10] Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

Without living the word, we cannot rejoice or begin to lead others to rejoicing likewise.

We have to first be in a place to receive the word. Once we are, then we must apply the word by living it.

When we live the word of God, it shows on us. After this cycle in our lives happens a few times, it will begin to be a part of your character.

You will begin to do Godly things and act according to how the word of God leads to! That witness and example will rise from within you and confusion will not have room to dominate in your life!

James 1:12-25

[12] Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
[13] Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
[14] But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
[15] Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
[16] Do not err, my beloved brethren.
[17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
[18] Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
[19] Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
[20] For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
[21] Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
[22] But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
[23] For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
[24] For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
[25] But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Living the word brings strength to rejoice in our times of trouble or distress. If we enter into service giving no idle time to anything else but focusing on God, we would begin to find more fruitful experiences and people beginning to be drawn by the spirit of God from you and service!

Instant Gratification Or A Test Of Patience?

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There have been times in my life where I have prayed for some things and saw what I would like to call instant gratification. In other words, I prayed in a day and God moved likewise. During those times looking back I was always thankful for how quick the move was but never questioned in my mind why God would move so quickly.There have been other times, which seems like now lately more than ever, where I am in desire and in need of things from God for me in my life. I find it more difficult to hang in there with my faith, and especially difficult when in my mind I am thinking “I need this right now”.

The only thing that I have learned in the midst of everything is a few key parts of wisdom that has helped me to keep going. I will share one now I believe with all of my heart and have not shared yet to my knowledge. I feel like that God provides a way for things that will build our faith for the parts of our life that can really glorify Him. You see I did not understand why I received some things so easily and quickly and yet I see so many that have sought for so long. I feel that God had provided with me with something at the time to help me to have strength and patience with the next trial. I definitely did not see back then where I would be today and would not have got where I was without it.

I think at times if I did not have the small blessings of God that I would not be able to handle the bigger pressures of life, especially the things I feel I cannot conquer or change. Now that I have been in some trials that have exceeded the months at a time timeline, it is really testing what I stand for. But by what God has already done (the blood of the Lamb and the words of my experiences) I am able to continue the race. Keep your head up, and wipe those tears. Joy will come, it might not be now, but I pray that God will pour out an incomprehensible blessing for you and your life!

Recognizing Our Bondage

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In Galatians 4, Paul explains the difference between a slave and a child. He wanted to make sure the Galatians were enjoying the path made by Jesus Christ. The epistle to the Galatians shows other missionaries were in conflict with Paul at that time. The Jewish-Christians from Palestine had visited the congregations of the Galatians after Paul’s visit there and was trying to teach that what Paul had taught prior to them coming was not complete. They were trying to persuade some of the Galatians that salvation required observance of the laws of the Torah, which included circumcision. Paul writes to rebuke and to persuade the Galatians in this letter. Paul communicates in this letter that Christianity, with its emphasis on faith in Christ, is antithetical to religion which approaches God based on good works. He also argues that nothing can be added to Jesus’ sacrifice for our sin, nor circumcision or any other external religious forms.

Galatians 4:1-3

[1] Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
[2] But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
[3] Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:

When we were in bondage of the elements of the world, as an heir I differed not from a slave, or in other words anyone else in bondage. When I was saved, I was set free from the bondages of sin, and brought forth from the slavery of being lost (and being in bondage to the world as well). That should excite anyone that has a relationship with God if you really begin to think about it long enough! If we cannot begin to learn to live as children of God and mature to be the people God wants us to be, we will continually be as slaves to sin!

Acts 15:8-11

[8] And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
[9] And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
[10] Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
[11] But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

Galatians 4:4-7

[4] But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
[5] To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
[6] And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
[7] Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Jesus Christ was sent to redeem, we receive the redemption and adoption as sons, and if a son, then an heir of God through Jesus Christ.

Galatians 4:8-9

[8] Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
[9] But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

When we did not know God, it was our instinct to turn to which by nature were things other than God. So how in this world could we begin to turn back to what we were before after we start to know God or are known by God? I do not know about you, but I have no desire to go back into the bondage I was freed from!

Galatians 5:1

[1] Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Do not walk back into what you came out of!

In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he emphasizes in the passage below:

Romans 8:15-17.

[15] For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
[16] The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
[17] And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

We are accepted, and the victory comes when the kingdom is fully realized!

Do We Use Discernment Anymore?

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THE WORD

Romans 8:27 – And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

One of the toughest spiritual gifts to willingly learn and use is the gift of discernment. One of the ways you can understand how discernment works is when you are following the Holy Ghost during a church service to ensure you are obeying the perfect will of God, keeping things in a spiritual order as God would lead, and helping to prevent things that would disrupt the freedom of God from being in control. That is the long way of putting it but is where you might see it used the most.

To put it in an easier way, you would not just let anyone get up and minister to you without having a good spirit dwelling within them. You know (and discern) that through the light of God lives a person’s spirit and are you able to bear witness of that light through what they speak and obey. You can begin to use discernment every day of your life. Whether it comes to what you see or hear or what you do around or say to others, discernment can be used in all venues if you allow the spirit of God to lead you. God would not have you willingly walking around in sin if it can be shown to you to turn from it. We can begin to discern that it is not the right situation to surround ourselves with and can learn to change where we are and what we do. It is possible! As we pray we can begin to discern from people how they either have God’s love or are lost from God’s direction and are in need.

PUT INTO PRACTICE

Learn to be spiritually led each day! The best thing to start with is prayer and thinking upon the good things of God. Once you start there, build yourself up and see how much begins to change. You will be surprised! God would not have you live in darkness. God would have you be a light to it, compelling people to change. Learn to change your environments and get out when you know things are too much for what you are capable of dealing with. Remember, we often make our biggest mistakes when we think we are strong enough to discern it for ourselves and not with the spirit. God is the best leader and guide!

When Patience Wears Thin, Remember Who Wins

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THE WORD

2 Peter 1:5-8 – And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

I am writing about something today that was one of my biggest hurdles I had to overcome: getting and keeping patience. I am tested with my patience on a daily basis and demonstrating God’s love is one of the greatest ways I let my witness shine to others. I have found that the only time my patience is ever tested is in areas where it begins to induce stress (where else would it be?!?). As we go on through our own lives there will always be new people and situations that we must face that we are not always prepared for. I could not tell you how many times I have wanted to speak my mind or to do what I thought was justified but the Holy Ghost would quicken me to stop; for when I look back on it now I know the person that works patience walks in the spirit of God’s love.

I have had to literally walk away frustrated and take a deep breath and pray before I could move on. There were moments where I had to let a few tears run down my face from the words and looks of people without saying a word in return. There have been times when I wonder if people truly loved me like they said they did! When it gets the worst, however, I remember who the victor is over it all! That is God almighty through us! So if we allow God to fight our spiritual battles, we will succeed in our carnality. We alone would never prevail. Allowing God to lead us proves the outcome that God intends! Seek him for a patience-filled heart and a peaceful mind! Hold on to the promises of God!

PUT INTO PRACTICE

When a disagreement occurs between you and another person: smile, tell them you love them, and walk away. God through your prayers can definitely take care of the rest!

Our Fall To Sin

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Genesis 1:27,31

[27] So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

[31] And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Man was created in Holiness, and what God made was good within us! Before sin ever entered the world, what we were made to be was good! God made us! What God has made in you is good as well! Even taking in to consideration that we fail because of sin, we still have the good that God has placed! We often forget that in the midst of life.

Genesis 3:6

[6] And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

By voluntary transgression, man fell to sin. So many times, we voluntarily walk into failure, and God has provided more than enough of ways to avoid sin and temptation to sin. You are only as strong as the spirit that lives within you. With that said, it’s simple: little spirit leaves for little ability to resist. A strong spirit presents a formula for success against the enemy in this world!

Psalms 94:11

[11] The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.

The thoughts that we possessed started to become vain. The thoughts that we have every day without God are vain by default, lest we realize what place they should have in our lives. If God is first, He will lead you to see exactly what things should be and should not. That’s the direction of the Holy Ghost that only comes through prayer seeking for direction by faith!

Jeremiah 17:9

[9] The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

The heart started to become deceitful. Without the help of the comfort of the spirit, we will become weak from our emotions that want to rule us by default. We should never be driven by emotions. Emotions often times will drive us to irrational motive, which in turn leads to actions we should have never found ourselves at to begin with.

Romans 8:7

[7] Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

We became an enemy through the carnal being. Our minds are either upon God and serving him with our commitment to, or we are resisting because we have (in our mind) chose not to. The art of submission when it comes to the spirit begins with making up your mind. We can never inherit the mind of Christ without first surrendering our wickedness first. I say that not in condemnation, but in common sense. We will eventually lead ourselves to destruction over time without God helping us!

Genesis 6:5

[5] And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

By sin overwhelming us, God recognized that even back then and still does today! In the days we live in now, we know not the appointed day, but God wants us to be prepared each day by not falling into the sin that was clearly warned about all through the days of the bible. The example of the flood in the Old Testament should be example enough that we surely would rather come to God’s love rather than God’s wrath!

Romans 5:12,19

[12] Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

[19] For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

The first sin was fatal for all mankind and made us sinners as we know it today. And from generation to generation, we still make the same mistakes that were made before us, regardless of the reasons of why. The “why” does not matter; what matters is finding our way to repentance! That’s why Jesus Christ was sent to be an advocate for us to find forgiveness by the mercy and grace of God.

Romans 1:18,20

[18] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

[20] For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Being unrighteous, all are condemned without defense or excuse. There is nothing that I could throw at God to ever have a great enough of reason or to feel good enough to be justified. We have to obey, we have to repent, and we have to move on from hurt! It’s as simple as that! God sees what you are going through, and will move on your behalf. So why stay in that condition?

Isaiah 1:5-6

[5] Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.
[6] From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.

The whole nature of our beings is corrupted long-term from never treating the damage that sin takes upon us. Lest we begin to bring to God our problems and issues, we can never begin to heal and recover from what we deal with and go through!

Isaiah 53:6-7

[6] All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
[7] He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

All of our sins have been forgiven if you recognize the one who performed it! If we come to God and believe in faith upon Jesus Christ and surrender our lives completely, a magnificent life-changing transformation can begin to take place! Do it today!

While We Wait

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Today I would like to talk about a tough topic when it comes to a persons walk with God: waiting. There are moments in my life where I cannot move any further in a matter. Even if I could intervene, it would be the wrong course of action.

Let us read a passage:

Romans 5:1-5

[1]Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
[2] By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
[3] And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
[4] And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
[5] And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

There are three key points that I would like to make here.

First of all, I cannot be justified by faith unless I actually use it. Why would it be spoken in the word of God that you have access to something if you did not need to know that you had to go and access it?

Secondly, Faith without works in my life is dead; I can’t sit back and just wait for it all to happen for me. I have to be faithful through my experiences and believe that God is going to help me with the long-term things as I obey him through the short term! I stand in my faith not literally, but through endurance of grace I make it through! I also rejoice! I can come to God’s house and praise the Lord! I can come and not be fearful of what anyone would direct otherwise! God would never have you be in a place where you could not step out through obedience to grow!

Finally, remember that which is in you and around you! The love of God (as given by the Holy Ghost) is always in you, always ready for you to be able to step out and make a difference each day. You might be in a place where that is frowned upon, but just hang in there! God will make a way for your ministry to grow! Remember who it is that you worship, and who it is that you serve! If it is anything other than God, than you cannot survive long-term! Tribulation was never meant to be endured without God!

In The Absence Of Others

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THE WORD

John 16:32 – Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

John 14:18 – I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

There was a time in my life when I was praying for God to help me when I did not have many friends. After having a breakthrough prayer I began to realize the bigger picture God was trying to get me to see: When we are in a place where we do not have the presence of others (physically or mentally) to give us encouragement, you can find comfort and spiritual fulfillment through the Holy Ghost, even in spite of the absence of others.

One of the best examples to study this concept is when you read about David in one of the worst moments of his life. He and his victorious army returned to a destroyed city. Ziklag was in ruin; everyone as he knew it was pitting against him, blaming him as the sole culprit of the massive loss of their families and homes while they were away in battle. Bear in mind he also lost everything and was forsaken by everyone yet David still found strength through his trust in God to encourage himself. God will be closer than a brother! To know this promise of God helps with everything that you will ever need even when others cannot be there for you. Life may take you many places, but God will always go with you, whether other people will choose to be for or against you. Never forget that!

PUT INTO PRACTICE

The next time that you feel sad, do not make an attempt to reach out to others immediately. Create an environment set apart that will promote your communication to God. Begin to seek God in prayer and pray for a breakthrough over these lowly feelings and enter into victory by the spirit! Learn to get past the hindrances of always feeling like we have to communicate every issue to everyone through in-person/online mediums. If you never allow situations to occur so you can encourage yourself through God’s spirit then when the time comes that you need encouragement from others you may be let down.

Being Prepared For God

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Being prepared for the Lord’s imminent return is the most important thing you can do in this life.

Define Prepared: Made ready or fit or suitable beforehand; “be prepared for emergencies”

Some pieces of the parable are:

Lamp – God’s word (light)

Oil – God’s Spirit

Virgins –  professed believers

Bridgegroom – Jesus Christ

Door – gate to heaven

So how do we stay prepared? Reading their Bibles, praying, and watching!!! We need to listen and be aware of when God is speaking.

John 10:27

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me

When should we start listening and being prepared? NOW!!!

1 Thessalonians 5:2

For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

Luke 13:25

When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are

We know this good and well!!! Well?

Exerpt of Luke 12:48

“For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more”

And also, we know that the Holy Spirit is the spirit of truth!

Proverbs 23:23

Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

a passage from Luke 14:28-33 says to “count the cost” and to “forsake all we have” to follow Jesus.

These passages show that it is not wrong to seek to “buy” the Holy Ghost.  But we buy it not with physical money, but by pursuing truth with our whole heart, mind, body, strength, and soul, ready to give up everything for it.