Tag: Faithfulness

Joy in Every CircumstanceBased on Acts 28:16-31

Paul’s time under house arrest in Rome paints a vivid picture of joy in the midst of adversity. Bound to a soldier, living on his own resources, and awaiting a trial that could end in his execution, Paul’s circumstances were far from ideal. Yet, rather than despairing, Paul seized the opportunity to preach the Gospel, teach visitors, and encourage believers through his letters.

Paul’s joy wasn’t dependent on his freedom or comfort. It flowed from his deep understanding of God’s sovereignty. When he first faced imprisonment, Jesus Himself assured Paul that he would testify in Rome (Acts 23:11). Now in Rome, Paul trusted that he was exactly where God wanted him to be.

This kind of joy is rooted in the conviction that God is working through every situation, even the ones that seem like setbacks. Paul’s house arrest allowed him to witness to Roman guards, welcome all who came to him, and write letters that continue to shape the Church today. His chains became tools for the Gospel.

We often struggle to see how our difficult circumstances fit into God’s plan. It’s easy to focus on what we lack or the obstacles in our path. But Paul’s example reminds us that God can use any situation for His purposes. The places where we feel stuck or constrained might be the very places God wants to work through us most powerfully.

What would it look like to trust that God has you where He needs you, right now? To find joy in knowing that even your struggles can serve His purposes? Perhaps it’s a challenging workplace, a difficult relationship, or a season of waiting. Wherever you are, God can use you to do what He has for you, just as He did with Paul.

Paul’s joy wasn’t denial of his hardships—it was a confident assurance that God’s plan was unfolding, even in his imprisonment. That same assurance is available to us. Let’s ask for the grace to see our circumstances through God’s eyes and the courage to serve Him faithfully, wherever we find ourselves.

Assurance in Uncertainty

Paul’s journey to Rome, as described in Acts 27, is a masterclass in trusting God amidst uncertainty. Back in Acts 23:11, an angel assured Paul that he would testify in Rome. Yet the path to that fulfillment was anything but straightforward. Storms, shipwrecks, and imprisonment were part of the journey—none of which seemed to align with the idea of divine favor. Yet through it all, Paul remained steadfast, trusting in God’s promise even when the circumstances seemed to contradict it.

How often do we find ourselves doubting God when the road gets tough? We might believe in His promises, but when delays or detours arise, we start questioning whether we heard Him correctly. Paul’s story reminds us of an important truth: God fulfills His promises, but often in ways that defy our expectations.

Imagine Paul aboard the storm-battered ship, reassuring the terrified crew that no one would perish because God had promised his arrival in Rome. That’s faith in action—not in the absence of danger, but in the presence of God’s assurance. Paul wasn’t spared the storm, but he was sustained through it.

This kind of faith invites us to trust God’s character more than our circumstances. His promises are not bound by the limitations of our understanding. When we face uncertainty, we can rest in the truth that God is always working for our good, even when we can’t see it.

Paul’s confidence also teaches us to focus on faithfulness in the present moment. He didn’t let the chaos of the storm distract him from his mission or erode his trust in God. Similarly, we are called to remain faithful in the “storms” of life, even when the outcome feels unclear.

What storms are you facing right now? Are you tempted to doubt God’s promises because the journey doesn’t look like you expected? Trust that His timing is perfect and that His ways are higher than ours. Let Paul’s example encourage you to hold onto God’s assurance, even when uncertainty abounds.

“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24, NET)

Your Best Life Now

The title may give you pause, especially if you’ve heard it used in ways that promise a prosperity-focused, trouble-free existence. Yet as we turn to 2 Corinthians 6:4-13, Paul offers us a very different vision of what “your best life now” truly looks like. It’s not about ease or worldly success but about enduring with integrity and grace through every circumstance life throws at you.

Paul writes, “Rather, as servants of God, we have commended ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and distresses” (v. 4, NET). The list that follows is sobering: beatings, imprisonments, sleepless nights, hunger. It’s a far cry from the kind of life we might associate with the phrase “best life.” Yet Paul calls us to redefine success in light of the Gospel. To live your best life now is to live a life of faithfulness—no matter what.

This passage is not a call to seek suffering for its own sake but to rise above circumstances with integrity and steadfastness. Paul describes a life lived “in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love” (v. 6). Even when surrounded by opposition, betrayal, or hardship, the call remains the same: to conduct ourselves in a way that reflects God’s character.

Why? Because how we live in the present carries eternal significance. The world may misunderstand, ridicule, or even persecute us, but our worth is not defined by worldly measures. Paul experienced being “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything” (v. 10). This paradox highlights a life deeply anchored in Christ, untouchable by external circumstances.

Here’s the challenge: How do we respond when life feels anything but “best”? When trials come, do we reflect the peace and power of the Spirit, or do we falter in fear and frustration? This isn’t about perfection but about growth—leaning into God’s grace to sustain us when our strength fails.

In verse 13, Paul exhorts the Corinthians, “open wide your hearts also.” The best life is one lived open to God and to others, vulnerable yet strong, humble yet bold. It’s not marked by worldly wealth or comfort but by the richness of a life lived in fellowship with Christ and His people.

So, yes, in Christ, you can live your best life now—but not in the way the world might expect. It’s a life of faithfulness, endurance, and hope, one that glorifies God in all circumstances and points others to Him. And as we endure in this life, we hold to the promise of eternal joy in the life to come.

Whose Praise Do You Seek?

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 3 are a profound reminder that the foundation of our lives and ministries must be Jesus Christ. Everything we build on that foundation will ultimately be tested by fire, revealing whether it was done for God’s glory or to gain the fleeting approval of others. It’s tempting to seek praise from people, but Paul makes it clear that our work is ultimately evaluated by God, not by human standards.

When we live to please others, we risk compromising God’s call on our lives. Paul cautions the Corinthians not to boast in human leaders or wisdom because they belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God (1 Corinthians 3:21–23). This realignment of perspective is crucial. If we’re ashamed to stand firm in God’s truth because it might make us unpopular, we’re ultimately ashamed of Him—and that’s a sobering thought. Jesus Himself said, “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words…the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when He comes in His glory” (Luke 9:26).

This doesn’t mean we should actively seek to upset people or ignore the importance of kindness. As Paul says in Romans 12:18, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people.” However, when faced with a choice between obedience to God and the approval of man, the answer should always be clear. Pleasing God isn’t about arrogance or defiance but about faithfulness.

In a world that increasingly prioritizes popularity and consensus, ask yourself: Whose praise do you seek? Are your decisions shaped more by fear of disapproval or by a desire to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23)? Living for God’s glory may not always make sense to others, but it’s the only life that will stand the test of eternity.

Well Done, Good & Faithful Servant

In Matthew 25:21, Jesus recounts the words of the master in the parable of the talents: “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.” These words capture the heart of what it means to serve God wholeheartedly with all He has given us, and they encourage us to strive for faithfulness as stewards of His gifts.

This passage reminds us that God entrusts each of us with resources, opportunities, and responsibilities—not only physical or financial blessings but also spiritual gifts, time, and influence. The challenge is not necessarily to produce huge, visible results but to be fully invested in what He’s entrusted to us. The commendation comes not from outcomes alone but from faithfulness and commitment to using what He has given for His purposes.

The parable demonstrates that faithfulness is more about stewardship than success as the world defines it. To the servant who buried his talent out of fear or complacency, the master expresses disappointment and disapproval. This part of the story challenges us to examine whether we are holding back what we have out of fear, insecurity, or distraction. Instead, God invites us to engage fully and risk our gifts for His sake, trusting Him with the results.

Back in Luke 19:17, we found a similar parable of the ten minas, where the faithful servants are also commended and given greater responsibility. Each of these stories emphasizes that God desires active engagement—He doesn’t merely ask us to preserve what we have but to expand His kingdom with it. This may look like stepping out in faith in a new ministry, reaching out to others in love, or cultivating deeper devotion to Him in our everyday lives.

When life’s pressures make us want to hold back or play it safe, these parables remind us to keep pressing forward. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, saying, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” God sees our efforts, and He is the one who empowers our faithfulness. Trust that each step you take in obedience matters to Him.

Our ultimate reward isn’t in the praise of people or the accumulation of worldly success but in hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” from the One who sees and values everything we do in His name. Let’s live with that day in mind, pouring our energy, resources, and love into the work He has given us. In doing so, we will experience the true joy of serving the Lord and the deep fulfillment of investing in something eternal.

Signs of the Times

In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus presents a sweeping vision of future events, but His primary focus is not the “when” of His return. Instead, He emphasizes how we should live as we wait. With each reference to “wars and rumors of wars” and natural upheavals, Jesus reminds His followers that these are “birth pains”—a hint of what’s to come, not an invitation to speculation or fear.

Jesus’ call is clear: live prepared and purposeful lives, grounded in faith and action, rather than chasing easy answers or living in anxiety. In Matthew 24:42, He warns, “Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” This watchfulness isn’t about decoding every event; rather, it’s about daily faithfulness to the work He has given us—the Great Commission.

Living with “signs of the times” in mind doesn’t mean abandoning our daily work or waiting passively. Jesus calls us to earnestness and perseverance, fully committed to the tasks at hand: sharing the gospel, serving our neighbors, and loving each other sacrificially. Each of these actions builds His Kingdom here on earth, a Kingdom that He promises will withstand any upheaval.

But faithful living also requires discernment. It’s tempting to become preoccupied with “answers” about the end times. Jesus knew this tendency, which is why He warned us against false messiahs and “false prophets” who “will deceive many” (Matthew 24:11). While we are to be wise and watchful, we shouldn’t let sensational claims distract us from Jesus’ clear command to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

If we believe Jesus will return—and He will—then our lives should reflect that hope. It’s a hope that compels us to action, to plant seeds of faith in others, and to nurture our relationship with God. We persevere not because we know the date of His return but because we trust His promise and see the urgency of the gospel.

So how do we wait well? We live ready, open to His call at any moment. We pursue His mission wholeheartedly, not distracted by every new “sign” but anchored in the lasting promise that He is coming. Each day, we choose to love, serve, and share the gospel with those around us, reflecting Jesus’ love in all we do. When we live with this kind of readiness, we not only await the return of our King, but we bring His Kingdom to life in the here and now.

Never Stop Never Stopping

The title of today’s devotional is borrowed from the comedy film Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping by Andy Samberg—a film about an artist who refuses to quit despite repeated failures. And while it’s an over-the-top satire, that relentless spirit of pressing forward mirrors something crucial about the life of faith. For believers, the call to stay the course in God’s work isn’t a joke, it’s a mandate.

In Luke 13, Jesus tells the parable of the fig tree, where the gardener pleads for more time to tend the tree before cutting it down, asking for one last effort to see if it will bear fruit. It’s a picture of divine patience and hope for redemption, not giving up too soon on what still has potential.

This is the kind of perseverance Jesus calls us to. When He commissions us to work for His kingdom, to “harvest” by making disciples, there’s an urgency to the task. But there’s also an enduring patience, a refusal to give up. Seeds are planted, sometimes taking seasons or years to show signs of life. The harvest may seem delayed or even doubtful at times. But our task is not to predict the yield; it’s to faithfully tend the soil, plant the seeds, and trust God to bring the increase.

Jesus’ teaching reminds us that it’s not about the speed of results, but about the faithfulness of our labor. It’s easy to grow weary and think, “Nothing is happening here—time to move on.” But God doesn’t waste the seeds He plants, nor does He call us to walk away from them prematurely. Our role is to persist, to work while it’s still light out, to continue planting, praying, and sharing. As long as there’s time, there’s potential.

Of course, this doesn’t mean we’ll see every seed bear fruit in our lifetime. Sometimes the harvest is for someone else to reap. Other times, the waiting itself is the point—teaching us trust and perseverance. In the end, the harvest is up to God. Our job is to “never stop never stopping,” faithfully laboring in the fields of His Kingdom.

There’s no room for giving up when eternity is at stake. The best way to ensure more seeds can be planted and nurtured is by making room in the harvest. We must work with urgency but also with patient faith. In the end, it’s God’s field, God’s seed, and God’s harvest.

As we work, we’re reminded: there’s only so much time before night falls, but as long as it’s day, we must stay the course. We may not see the results we hoped for right away, but rest assured—the seeds of the Kingdom are never wasted. So never stop. And never stop never stopping.

Perseverance of the Saints: A Redefinition

There are few questions in the Christian life more significant than that of salvation: How secure is it? Is salvation something that can be lost, or is it a permanent state once we come to faith? This question touches on core aspects of how we understand God’s love, our responsibility, and the very nature of grace. The Bible seems to offer both the assurance of salvation and the call to persevere — two realities that we must hold in tension.

1. Security in Christ: A Precious Assurance

Throughout the New Testament, we find comforting passages that speak of the security we have in Christ. Verses like John 10:28-29, where Jesus declares that no one will snatch His sheep from His hand, or Romans 8:38-39, which assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God, offer believers a profound sense of peace. These Scriptures reveal God’s sovereign protection over those who belong to Him. Just as a shepherd guards his sheep from predators, God watches over His flock with unfailing care.

Yet, in these same texts, the language emphasizes God’s protection against external forces. There is no mention of what happens if a person chooses to walk away. As comforting as these verses are, they do not paint the entire picture of salvation security. Scripture never suggests that God overrides our will or that we lose our agency once we are saved.

2. The Call to Persevere: Warnings Against Falling Away

In contrast to the promises of security, other Scriptures issue strong warnings to believers about the dangers of falling away from faith. Hebrews 6:4-6 speaks of those who “have tasted the heavenly gift” and “shared in the Holy Spirit,” yet later “fall away.” The passage implies that a genuine experience of God can be abandoned, resulting in the tragic loss of salvation.

Similarly, Colossians 1:22-23 reminds us that Christ’s reconciliation is for those who “continue in the faith, stable and steadfast.” This conditional statement implies that perseverance is required for salvation to be ultimately secured. In Matthew 24:13, Jesus Himself says that “the one who endures to the end will be saved,” pointing again to the importance of ongoing faithfulness.

3. Balancing Grace and Responsibility

How, then, do we reconcile these two threads — the assurance of salvation and the warnings about falling away? The Bible teaches both. God’s grace is powerful, and His protection is complete. Yet, the same Bible calls us to take responsibility for our ongoing faith and walk with Him.

This tension can be best understood through the lens of covenant relationship. God’s grace initiates and sustains our relationship with Him, but like any relationship, it requires response and faithfulness. God will never abandon His covenant with us, but Scripture warns that it is possible for us to abandon the covenant ourselves through disobedience, willful sin, or neglect.

To clarify, this does not mean that every momentary struggle or doubt puts our salvation at risk. God’s grace is far greater than our weaknesses. The Bible affirms that believers will struggle and stumble, but this is vastly different from a willful, persistent turning away from Christ. The Perseverance of the Saints, as many theologians describe it, suggests that true believers will continue in their faith precisely because God is at work within them.

4. What Does This Mean for Us Today?

The practical implications are profound. If you have trusted in Christ for your salvation, you can have confidence that God holds you in His hands. You are secure, not because of your own efforts, but because of His grace and power. No external force can snatch you away from Him.

At the same time, the Bible calls you to remain faithful. Salvation is not a ticket to complacency but an invitation into a living, active relationship with the God of the universe. Faith is dynamic, not static. It grows through obedience, prayer, fellowship, and immersion in God’s Word.

Take comfort in knowing that God is at work within you, both to will and to act according to His purpose (Philippians 2:13). Yet, also take seriously the call to persevere, to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12), trusting that God will supply the strength you need.

5. Conclusion: A Promise and a Warning

The good news of the Gospel is that salvation is a gift of grace, received through faith, and held secure in Christ. However, the Bible is equally clear that perseverance is required. The evidence of true faith is a life of ongoing trust and obedience. Those who truly belong to Christ will demonstrate this by continuing in their faith — not because of their own strength, but because God empowers them to do so.

In a world full of distractions and temptations, may we heed the call to remain faithful, knowing that our salvation is secure in Him — but also recognizing that our faith is meant to be lived out daily in dependence on His grace.

Unexpected Heroes: The Women Who Shaped Salvation

When we read through the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1, we’re confronted with an unexpected detail: the inclusion of five women. In a time when genealogies typically traced lineage through men, the appearance of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary stands out. But what’s even more striking is why these women, in particular, were chosen. They weren’t the matriarchs like Sarah or Rebekah, and they weren’t the well-known mothers of the tribes of Israel. So why these women? What did they contribute to God’s redemptive plan that others did not?

Each of these women played a direct, active role in the salvation story—often in ways that were culturally or morally controversial. Their actions not only shaped the lineage of the Messiah, but they also reveal a deeper truth about how God works through those who are often overlooked, scandalized, or marginalized.

Tamar: Preserving the Line of Judah

Tamar’s story (Genesis 38) is one of desperation and justice. Widowed twice, she found herself in a situation where the family of Judah failed to fulfill their duty to provide her with a husband and offspring. In response, Tamar took a drastic step: disguising herself as a prostitute to bear a child through Judah himself. While her actions seem morally questionable on the surface, she was acting to preserve the family line—ensuring that the tribe of Judah, through which the Messiah would come, continued. She forced Judah to fulfill his responsibility, even when he was unwilling to do so. Tamar’s inclusion in the genealogy isn’t about celebrating deception but recognizing her critical role in ensuring the continuation of the Messianic line.

Why Tamar and not someone like Leah or Rachel? Tamar’s direct action ensured the survival of Judah’s lineage. Without her, the line that would bring forth Jesus might have ended. Leah and Rachel, while important, were part of the natural unfolding of events. Tamar’s story is one of stepping in to secure the future when everything seemed to be falling apart.

Rahab: The Outsider Who Saved Israel

Rahab (Joshua 2) was a Canaanite prostitute living in Jericho. Yet, her faith in the God of Israel led her to hide the Israelite spies and help them escape. In return, her family was spared when Jericho fell. Rahab not only became part of Israel but also married into the nation, becoming the great-grandmother of King David.

Why Rahab and not other women of faith from Israel’s history? Rahab’s story emphasizes that God’s salvation is for all people, not just the chosen nation of Israel. Her inclusion highlights the expansive nature of God’s grace. She wasn’t born into the covenant but was grafted in through faith. Her faithfulness was pivotal in the conquest of the Promised Land, making her a vital part of the salvation narrative.

Ruth: The Loyal Foreigner

Ruth’s story (Book of Ruth) is one of loyalty and redemption. A Moabite widow, she chose to leave her homeland and stay with her mother-in-law Naomi, declaring that Naomi’s God would be her God. Her devotion led her to Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer who married her and continued the family line, eventually leading to the birth of King David.

Why Ruth and not the matriarchs like Sarah or Rebekah? While Sarah and Rebekah were critical to the birth of Israel, Ruth’s story is about the inclusion of the Gentiles. Ruth was an outsider, a Moabite, and yet she became the great-grandmother of David. Her faithfulness in an uncertain situation ensured the continuation of the line that would produce the Messiah. Ruth’s inclusion teaches us that God’s plan is not limited to those within the covenant but includes those who choose to enter it by faith.

Bathsheba: The Mother of the King

Bathsheba’s story (2 Samuel 11-12) is filled with tragedy and scandal. She was the wife of Uriah, a Hittite, and became pregnant by King David after he summoned her. Her first child with David died, but their second child, Solomon, became the king through whom God’s promise to David was fulfilled. Despite the circumstances of their union, Bathsheba’s role as Solomon’s mother was vital in ensuring the continuation of David’s line.

Why Bathsheba and not others like Abigail or Michal? Bathsheba’s inclusion points to the complexity of human sin and divine grace. Despite the scandal of her relationship with David, she bore the king who would build the temple and continue the Messianic line. Bathsheba’s story shows that even in the midst of sin and failure, God’s redemptive purposes are at work.

Mary: The Faithful Servant

Mary’s inclusion is perhaps the most obvious. She was the young woman chosen to bear the Messiah (Luke 1). Her faithfulness in accepting God’s will, despite the social stigma she would face as an unwed mother, sets her apart. Mary’s quiet submission to God’s plan is a powerful example of faithfulness in the face of uncertainty.

Why Mary? Mary’s unique role as the mother of Jesus makes her central to the salvation story. Unlike the other women, she was directly chosen by God for this role, and her faithful acceptance of God’s will brought the Savior into the world.

Conclusion: Faithfulness Over Status

What sets these women apart isn’t just their actions, but their willingness to step into God’s redemptive plan, often in messy, complicated situations. They were not chosen for their status or for adhering to societal expectations but for their faithfulness in the face of difficulty. Their stories show us that God’s primary desire is not to bring about social change, but to transform lives. When we are faithful in the circumstances we find ourselves in, God can work through us, even when the situation looks hopeless or morally complex.

While today’s culture often pushes for external reforms and changes, the Gospel calls us to internal transformation. The change we need begins with hearts surrendered to God, and from that place, societies are transformed as a byproduct. The lives of these women remind us that true change comes from faithfulness in the margins, not through performative actions but through trusting God to use our brokenness for His glory.

Depth in the Details

Sometimes, as we go through Scripture, we encounter sections that can feel difficult to draw insights from. Lists of names, genealogies, and city assignments might seem irrelevant to us today, but every part of Scripture is inspired by God and holds a purpose. Even if it doesn’t seem obvious at first, if we are willing to look deeper, there is always something to learn and apply. Today’s reading from Nehemiah 11-12 and 1 Chronicles 9 is a great example. Let’s dig into what we can uncover when we approach these passages with a mind and heart open to God’s teaching.

1. Faithfulness in Everyday Callings The people mentioned in Nehemiah 11-12 and 1 Chronicles 9 weren’t all prophets, kings, or warriors. Many were priests, gatekeepers, or simply inhabitants of the city. Yet, God saw fit to include their names and roles in Scripture. This reminds us that God values faithfulness in all areas of life, even in roles that may seem ordinary. Whether we serve in front of large crowds or work behind the scenes, our contributions matter to God. Every role plays a part in His bigger plan, and faithfulness in our calling brings glory to Him.

2. God’s Care for Community In these chapters, we see an emphasis on the importance of community. Nehemiah is careful to note who lives in Jerusalem and who is assigned to surrounding towns. This reminds us that God has always valued people living in community, caring for one another, and working together. For us today, the principle remains the same: God calls us to live in fellowship with other believers, supporting each other and serving together. The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation but in community, where we can grow together and glorify God in unity.

3. Worship as a Priority A significant portion of Nehemiah 12 focuses on the priests and Levites, who led the people in worship and service at the temple. This serves as a reminder of the centrality of worship in our lives. Worship is not just something we do on Sundays; it is a lifestyle of devotion to God. Whether we are at home, work, or church, worship should be at the heart of all we do. God deserves our praise and honor, and we are called to live our lives as an offering of worship to Him.

4. The Importance of Generational Faithfulness Genealogies and lists of family members in 1 Chronicles 9 show how generations of families remained faithful in their service to God. This speaks to the importance of passing down faith through the generations. It’s a call for us today to invest in the spiritual growth of our children and to create a legacy of faith that endures. Whether as parents, mentors, or leaders in the church, we play a role in helping others grow in their relationship with God, ensuring the faith is passed down to the next generation.

5. God’s Faithfulness to His Promises Finally, these chapters remind us of God’s faithfulness. The people returning to Jerusalem and rebuilding their community were a fulfillment of God’s promises to bring His people back after exile. God never forgets His promises, and He is always faithful to His word. Even when life takes unexpected turns, we can trust that God is working all things according to His plan and that He will fulfill His promises to us as well.

As we close, it’s important to remember that while some passages of Scripture may seem harder to engage with, there is always something to learn. The Bible is rich with wisdom, and when we dig deeper, we find that God uses every word to reveal Himself and teach us more about who He is and who we are called to be. So, when you come across those challenging sections, don’t skim past them—look closer, because there’s always treasure to be found.