Jesus Questioned About Fasting

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Today’s quote and prayer from
Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer


Today’s
Reading:
Psalm 94: 8-15(NIV)*

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

LORD God,
I confess that I need your discipline.
I want to become like your Son, Jesus.
Help me to learn from the difficult experiences of life.
I want to live my life as your obedient child.
Amen.

   — — — —

Gospel Reading:
Jesus Questioned About Fasting

They said to him, “John’s disciples often fast and pray,
and so do the disciples of the Pharisees,
but yours go on eating and drinking.”

Jesus answered,
“Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while he is with them?
But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them;
in those days they will fast.”

He told them this parable:
“No one tears a piece out of a new garment to patch an old one.
Otherwise,
they will have torn the new garment,
and the patch from the new will not match the old.
And no one pours new wine into old wineskins.
Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins;
the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined.
No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins.
And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for they say,
‘The old is better.’”
(Luke 5:33-39).

* * *

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us:
He has given us of his Spirit.

(1 John 4:13 NIV)

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

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* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return
to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

New from David Kitz.

To view further details or purchase click here.

The LORD Disciplines Nations

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

Reading: Psalm 94:8-15(NIV)*

Take notice, you senseless ones among the people;
    you fools, when will you become wise?
Does he who fashioned the ear not hear?
    Does he who formed the eye not see?
Does he who disciplines nations not punish?
    Does he who teaches mankind lack knowledge?
 The L
ORD knows all human plans;
    he knows that they are futile.
Blessed is the one you discipline, LORD,
    the one you teach from your law;
you grant them relief from days of trouble,
    till a pit is dug for the wicked.
For the LORD will not reject his people;
    he will never forsake his inheritance.
Judgment will again be founded on righteousness,
    and all the upright in heart will follow it.

Reflection

Do I like discipline? Hardly. Do I like self-discipline? Not really. Discipline sounds difficult or unpleasant. Self-discipline and self-denial are twin brothers. I don’t like either of them. They are two tough customers that demand I change, but I don’t like change. My flesh—my stubborn sinful nature—resists change.

On the other hand, do I like the fruits of self-discipline? Absolutely. Self-discipline pays huge dividends. In any field of endeavor, in due time self-discipline will bring rewards. Athletes succeed because of self-discipline. Fortunes are accumulated through self-discipline. But those same fortunes can be frittered away through a lack of discipline. Strength of character does not develop naturally; it develops through adversity and self-discipline.

Discipline comes in two forms, internally or externally. Both are needed if we are to become people of the cross.  Son though he was, he [Jesus] learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him (Hebrews 5:8-9). If Jesus learned obedience through the discipline of suffering, as his followers should we not expect to experience the same?

Here in Psalm 94, we learn that the LORD disciplines nations. The following admonition reminds us of the vital role that discipline plays in the life of the believer: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all (Hebrews 12:5-8).

Response

LORD God, I confess that I need your discipline. I want to become like your Son, Jesus. Help me to learn from the difficult experiences of life. I want to live my life as your obedient child. Amen.

Your Turn

Do you appreciate God’s discipline? Are you enjoying the fruit of self-discipline?


bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look, click here.

He Is Robed in Majesty

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to Psalm 93 read by Jonathan Dent.

Reading: Psalm 93 (NIV)*

The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty;
the L
ORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength;
indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.
Your throne was established long ago;
you are from all eternity.
The seas have lifted up, LORD,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the L
ORD on high is mighty.
Your statutes, LORD, stand firm;
holiness adorns your house
for endless days.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Response

LORD God, I want your holiness to adorn my house and my heart. Help me to conform to your will and your ways, rather than the other way around. You are my Lord. Reign on sovereign LORD. Reign in glorious majesty. Amen.

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

The photo of Jerusalem on the cover of Psalm 365, Volume II


Take a journey to the cross.


To view further details or purchase click here.


* New International Version, Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

Jesus Calls Levi and Eats With Sinners

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Today’s quote and prayer from
Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer


Today’s
Reading:
Psalm 94: 1-7(NIV)*

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

LORD God,
thank you for the peace and security I enjoy.
Many are not so fortunate.
I don’t want to take my peace and prosperity for granted.
Show me how I can be of help in this troubled world.
Amen.

   — — — —

Gospel Reading:
Jesus Calls Levi and Eats With Sinners

After this, Jesus went out
and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth.
“Follow me,” Jesus said to him,
and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.

 Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house,
and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them.
 
But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law
who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples,
“Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”

 Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.
 I have not come to call the righteous,
but sinners to repentance.”
(Luke 5:27-32).

* * *

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us:
He has given us of his Spirit.

(1 John 4:13 NIV)

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return
to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

New from David Kitz.

To view further details or purchase click here.

A God Who Avenges

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

Reading: Psalm 94:1-7 (NIV)*

The LORD is a God who avenges.
    O God who avenges, shine forth.
Rise up, Judge of the earth;
    pay back to the proud what they deserve.
How long, L
ORD, will the wicked,
    how long will the wicked be jubilant?
They pour out arrogant words;
    all the evildoers are full of boasting.
They crush your people, LORD;
    they oppress your inheritance.
They slay the widow and the foreigner;
    they murder the fatherless.
They say, “The LORD does not see;
    the God of Jacob takes no notice”

Reflection

As I gather my thoughts to write this post, there are fresh reports that a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine is imminent. Power plants have been bombed. Recriminations fly back and forth between the warring parties; each blames the other. Meanwhile, war rages on. People starve. Refugees flee. Bombs fall from the sky and children are killed and injured.

There is a present-day relevance to Psalm 94. Its words are an ongoing reality in war-torn Ukraine. How long, LORD, will the wicked, how long will the wicked be jubilant? They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting. They crush your people, LORD; they oppress your inheritance. They slay the widow and the foreigner; they murder the fatherless (v. 3-6).

The full-scale invasion of Ukraine is now into its fourth year with no end in sight and many people are asking, “How long, LORD?”

There is so much evil in the world. Evil expresses itself most graphically during war. There are those who would like to blame God for war, but that makes no sense. Human pride, greed, and cunning lead to war. Human intransigence keeps it going. We can and should pray for God to show mercy and bring peace, but ultimately human hearts must change to bring an end to war.

We are right to pray for an end to murderous regimes. Essentially that is what the psalmist is praying. Is there more we can do? Emergency aid to war-torn regions is always needed. We can open our hearts and our wallets to provide some help. When an entire nation falls into the hands of murderous thieves are there a few good Samaritans who are willing to help?

Sometimes there are no easy answers in this difficult world. Rise up, Judge of the earth!

Response

 LORD, thank you for the peace and security I enjoy. Many are not so fortunate. I don’t want to take my peace and prosperity for granted. Show me how I can be of help in this troubled world. Amen.

Your Turn

Should we be concerned about foreign conflicts or only pay attention to things at home? In an increasingly interconnected world, who is your neighbor?


bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look, click here.

Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man

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Today’s quote and prayer from
Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer


Today’s
Reading:
Psalm 93(NIV)*

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

LORD God,
I want your holiness to adorn my house and my heart.
Help me to conform to your will and your ways,
rather than the other way around.
You are my Lord.
Reign on sovereign LORD.
Reign in glorious majesty.
Amen.

   — — — —

Gospel Reading:
Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man

One day Jesus was teaching,
and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there.
They had come from every village of Galilee
and from Judea and Jerusalem.
And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick.
 
Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat
and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus.
 
When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd,
they went up on the roof
and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd,
right in front of Jesus.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said,
“Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves,
“Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy?
Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked,
“Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?
 Which is easier: to say,
‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say,
‘Get up and walk’?
But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”
So he said to the paralyzed man,
“I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”
Immediately he stood up in front of them,
took what he had been lying on and went home praising God.

 Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God.
They were filled with awe and said,
“We have seen remarkable things today.”
(Luke 5:17-26).

* * *

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us:
He has given us of his Spirit.

(1 John 4:13 NIV)

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return
to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

New from David Kitz.

To view further details or purchase click here.

Mightier Than the Thunder 

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

Reading: Psalm 93 (NIV)*

The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty;
    the L
ORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength;
    indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.
Your throne was established long ago;
    you are from all eternity.
The seas have lifted up, LORD,
    the seas have lifted up their voice;
    the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
    mightier than the breakers of the sea—
    the L
ORD on high is mighty.
Your statutes, LORD, stand firm;
    holiness adorns your house
    for endless days.

Reflection

What things in this world are majestic? As I write this post, I’m looking out across my front lawn where a squirrel is cavorting about. Are squirrels majestic? Certainly not in my opinion. In the animal kingdom perhaps lions or stallions are majestic in their bearing. Snow-covered mountain peaks may be majestic, but squirrels not so much.

Here in Psalm 93 the psalmist is trying to capture in words the might and majesty of the LORD. Surely, this is an impossible task, but the psalmist makes a valiant effort. His thoughts turn to the vast power of the sea. Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the LORD on high is mighty (v. 4).

Of course, the might of the LORD is incomparable. How can the power of the sea be compared to the power of the One who created the sea? The comparison breaks down; it is not valid. We grasp at straws when we try to capture the majesty and glory of the LORD.

According to the psalmist two things stand firm and secure, the world and the statutes of the LORD. How firm are the laws of the LORD established in your mind? In a world where moral relativism rules the day, absolutes are shunned. What may be deemed right, and good today may be judged as unacceptable or reprehensible tomorrow. In our society it seems the opinion of the fickle masses determines what is good. God’s opinion—His statutes matter little.

But in reality—in this thing called eternity—there are things that never change. There are absolutes. On the day we die, ready or not, we will know and experience the absolutes of God. The unchanging God has not thrown out His moral law with yesterday’s garbage. The psalmist declares, “Your statutes, LORD, stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days” (v. 5).

Response

LORD God, I want your holiness to adorn my house and my heart. Help me to conform to your will and your ways, rather than the other way around. You are my Lord. Reign on sovereign LORD. Reign in glorious majesty. Amen.

Your Turn

What does God’s majesty mean to you? What makes God beautiful in your eyes?


bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look, click here.

Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy

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Today’s quote and prayer from
Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer


Today’s
Reading:
Psalm 92: 9-15(NIV)*

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

LORD God,
daily I want to grow more in love with you.
Grant me a settled heart.
I want my life to bear fruit that will bring honor to you.
Help me to radiate your goodness and beauty.
Amen.

   — — — —

Gospel Reading:
Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy

While Jesus was in one of the towns,
a man came along who was covered with leprosy.
When he saw Jesus,
he fell with his face to the ground and begged him,
“Lord, if you are willing,
you can make me clean.”

Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man.
“I am willing,” he said.
 “Be clean!”
And immediately the leprosy left him.

Then Jesus ordered him,
“Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest
and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing,
as a testimony to them.”

Yet the news about him spread all the more,
so that crowds of people came to hear him
and to be healed of their sicknesses.
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
(Luke 5:12-16).

* * *

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us:
He has given us of his Spirit.

(1 John 4:13 NIV)

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return
to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

New from David Kitz.

To view further details or purchase click here.

A Flourishing Tree

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

Reading: Psalm 92:9-15 (NIV)*

For surely your enemies, LORD,
    surely your enemies will perish;
    all evildoers will be scattered.
You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox;
    fine oils have been poured on me.
My eyes have seen the defeat of my adversaries;
    my ears have heard the rout of my wicked foes.
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
    they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
planted in the house of the LORD,
    they will flourish in the courts of our God.
They will still bear fruit in old age,
    they will stay fresh and green,
proclaiming, “The LORD is upright;
   he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”

Reflection

God’s people have been called or compared to many things. Often, we are likened to sheep—the sheep of the LORD’s pasture. But here in Psalm 92 we are likened to trees, the palm tree, the cedar, and various fruit trees.

There is a striking parallel between the tree analogy found in this psalm and a similar analogy found in Psalm 1. In both cases the righteous are compared to trees. That person [the righteous] is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers (Psalm 1:3)

By its very nature, there is something very settled about a tree. Unlike a sheep, a tree is not prone to wander. Trees flourish or perish where they have taken root. Have you been planted in the house of the LORD? Are you staying fresh and green and flourishing in the courts of our God?   

Fruitfulness begins with flowering. Is your relationship with God in the flowering stage? Have you fallen in love with Him—so in love that you radiate beauty? Are you and the message you bear attractive? Have you made yourself attractive because of your love for the Lord?

What about fruit? Are the fruits of the Spirit beginning to appear on your branches? But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23).

I can’t speak for you, but I would rather be a flourishing, fruit-bearing tree in the courts of the LORD than a wayward sheep.

Response

 LORD God, daily I want to grow more in love with you. Grant me a settled heart. I want my life to bear fruit that will bring honor to you. Help me to radiate your goodness and beauty. Amen.

Your Turn

How attractive is the message you bear? What signals are you sending out into the world?


bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look, click here.

Jesus Calls His First Disciples

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Today’s quote and prayer from
Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer


Today’s
Reading:
Psalm 92: 1-8(NIV)*

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

LORD God,
every morning I want to praise you.
Thank you for the gift of music.
Help me use my voice and every talent you have given me
to express my praise to you.
Amen.

   — — — —

Gospel Reading:
Jesus Calls His First Disciples

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret,
 the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God.
 
He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen,
who were washing their nets.
 
He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon,
and asked him to put out a little from shore.
Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon,
“Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything.
But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

When they had done so,
they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
 
So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them,
and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

When Simon Peter saw this,
he fell at Jesus’ knees and said,
“Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”
 
For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken,

 and so were James and John,
the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.

Then Jesus said to Simon,
“Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”

 So they pulled their boats up on shore,
left everything and followed him.
(Luke 5:1-11).

* * *

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us:
He has given us of his Spirit.

(1 John 4:13 NIV)

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return
to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

New from David Kitz.

To view further details or purchase click here.