Abiding In the Presence

“LORD, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in Thy holy hill?” Psalm 15:1 (KJV)

These are two very important questions.  They could have been asked by David after attempting to move the Ark of the covenant to Zion’s Hill in the wrong manner, it was touched by Uzza, and he perished (1 Chronicles 13:7-11).

There is this one thing that professing Christians of 2014 seem to forget and that is that GOD is still holy.  He is still a “Consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29), and it is still a “Fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).  Those references are from the New Testament written and quoted after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. So do not go off on a tangent saying, “We are no longer under the law” which has absolutely nothing to do with it.  God is still holy.  He is still Jehovah [YaHWeH].

The questions “Who shall abide in Thy tabernacle?”  None of us are worthy.  “Who shall dwell in Thy holy hill?”  Again none are worthy.

O, but the death of Jesus Christ; God’s perfect, sinless, spotless, undefiled, pure sacrifice paid the sin debt that was mine and yours.  Jesus was the sin-bearer for me, and for you.  Because of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus we can abide in His tabernacle; we can dwell forever in His holy hill.

No I am not worthy, you are not worthy to abide with God.  We cannot dwell in His presence, but through His Son Jesus Christ.  Believe Him.  Call on Him, and come into His presence and abide forever.

No God???

“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.” Psalm 14:1 (KJV)

Who would dare to say that there is “No God”?  Not the wise, observant person who has eyes to see.  Not the one’s who know that things do not just appear from nothing.  Everything has a designer, and builder.

When I see this verse and the one similar to it in Psalm 53:1 my mind goes immediately to those who are non theist.  They have conventions.  Just recently they had one in Springfield, MO. calling it “Scepticon”  I guess for a gathering of non believers in God.  They try to win people over to the idea that “God does not exist”.

Notice what the Psalmist says of these people.  “They are corrupt” they are wasters, destroyers, spoilers.  “They have done abominable works” the works that they do may seem good in the eyes of men, but according to God and His Word they are “abominable” abhor the honor and glory of God. “None that doeth good” all that they do is done for their own pride and pleasure, rather than to glorify God in whom they say they do not believe.

I need not prove the existence of God.  “The earth is the LORD’S  and all that is therein”  He has made it.  It declares His glory; and the greatest knowledge of God comes from the cross of Christ.  God came to man in human flesh in His Son Jesus Christ and gave His life a ransom for all who will believe.  God is for He is the “I Am” of all eternity.

Feeling Forgotten

“How long wilt Thou forget me, O LORD? For ever? How long wilt Thou hide Thy face from me?” Psalm 13:1 (KJV)

David was feeling much anxiety.  No one knows the particular reason for his anguish in this Psalm, but it is here.  It can apply to any circumstance of feeling forgotten, forsaken, and maybe a reflection of all the times he has felt this way.

Many may believe this is not the response the “Man after God’s own heart” ought to be experiencing; yet here we have it.  David was a man, a human being.

Have you ever experienced this anguish?  Have you ever felt that God has forgotten you, and it feels as though it will be for ever?  You are in good company.

When we hear the question “How long will You hide Your face from me?” we should be reminded of His presence, and glory.  We, like David should desire His presence, His glory – His face.  Of course we know that no one can see the face of God and live.  To look into the face of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is to look into the face of God.

He has not forgotten you.  He has not forgotten us.  He has not forgotten any who are His through the blood of His Son Jesus.  Take the time you are experiencing this anguish, and think of the power, the glory, and grace and mercy of GOD.  Be encouraged in Him today.

Help, LORD

“Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.” Psalm 12:1 (KJV)

Help.  A cry for some aid from someone.  Some times anyone will do.  For the Psalmist the cry is made to the LORD – to Jehovah – “Help, LORD”.  Such a simple prayer; a simple request.  O how we need to realize we need His help.

The need David had was that he saw godly men passing away.  Godliness among people was ceasing.  I believe we can see that in our culture, in society today.  I endeavor to be a godly man.  I know other men who endeavor to be godly.

It seems that evil is taking over.  Oh, how we need to plea for godly men and women to rise up, be faithful, and yield to the leadership of the Spirit of God and His Word.

Let me close with words from THE TREASURY OF DAVID,

“For the godly man ceaseth;” the death, departure, or decline of godly men should be a trumpet-call for more prayer, They say that fish smell first at the head, and when godly men decay, the whole commonwealth will soon go rotten. We must not, however, be rash in our judgment on this point, for Elijah erred in counting himself the only servant of God alive, when there were thousands whom the Lord held in reserve. The present times always appear to be peculiarly dangerous, because they are nearest to our anxious gaze, and whatever evils are rife are sure to be observed, while the faults of past ages are further off, and are more easily overlooked. Yet we expect that in the latter days, “because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold,” and then we must the more thoroughly turn from man, and address ourselves to the Churches’ Lord, by whose help the gates of hell shall be kept from prevailing against us.

Let the people of God rise up, and live godly through the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Being godly is being different from the world in which we live.  Different in our dress, our speech, our actions, all of life.

Trust in the LORD

“In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?” Psalm 11:1 (KJV)

Of this verse C. H. Spurgeon in THE TREASURY OF DAVID, has written,

When Satan cannot overthrow us by presumption, how craftily will he seek to ruin us by distrust!  He will employ our dearest friends to argue us out of our confidence, and he will use such plausible logic, that unless we once for all assert our immovable trust in Jehovah, he will make us like the timid bird which flies to the mountain whenever danger presents itself.  How forcibly the ease is put!  The bow is bent, the arrow is fitted to the string; “Flee, flee, thou defenceless bird, thy safety lies in flight: begone, for thine enemies will send their shafts into thy heart;  haste, haste, for soon wilt thou be destroyed!  David seems to have felt the force of the advice, for it came home to his soul; but yet he would not yield, but would rather dare the danger than exhibit a distrust in the Lord his God.

Are you in a difficult position, situation or circumstance today?  God is with you.  Do not heed the “advice” of those who would tell you to “Flee” by doubting the LORD. Be as David.  Trust the LORD.

Begin at the cross of Jesus Christ.

Asked Again, and Again

“Why standest Thou afar off, O LORD? Why hidest Thou Thyself in times of trouble?” Psalm 10:1 (KJV)

It has been asked again and again, “Where was God on that day of despair?”  Maybe you are one who has asked the question.  Maybe, even like the Psalmist you asked God Himself; “Why are You so far away?  Why are You hiding Yourself in these times of trouble?”

I know that I  have.  God’s answer has always been, “I am right here in the midst of it.  Do you not see My mercy?  Do you not see My hand keeping harm at bay?”

Name a trouble or trial, and I can tell you He is right there in the midst of it.  He is holding you.  If it is a tragic event involving someone else He is there as well.

A very needful question to ask would be “Where was God on the day Jesus was crucified?”  After all Jesus was sinless, without spot or blemish.  He was there. He was displaying His grace; His love and His mercy for all human kind.  He was also displaying His judgment upon our sin upon His Son Jesus Christ.  He was not standing “afar off”; He was very near; fulfilling His Word.

He is right where you are as well.  Believe Him.  Trust Him today.

NO ROOM FOR THE REAL JESUS

Jack Woodard's avatarJack Woodard's Blog

No Room For Jesus At The Inn

TEXT: “…because there was no room for them in the inn.” [Luke 2:7]
TITLE: THERE IS STILL NO ROOM FOR THE REAL JESUS

Introduction:
The world will always make room for their manufactured Jesus, but it is rare to see them willing to make room for the manifested Jesus of the Bible.

I. THE PLACES WHERE THERE IS NO ROOM FOR JESUS

A. There Is No Longer Any Room For Jesus In Our Government
B. There Is No Longer Any Room For Jesus In Our Schools
C. There Is No Longer Any Room For Jesus In Our Military
D. There Is No Longer Any Room For Jesus In Our Corporations
E. There Is No Longer Any Room For Jesus In Our Public Square
F. There Is No Longer Any Room For Jesus In Our Sports
G. There Is No Longer Any Room For Jesus In Our Science
H. There Is…

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Whole Heart Praise

“I will praise Thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all Thy marvellous works.” Psalm 9:1 (KJV)

The Psalmist David will praise the LORD.  That is what his heart desires.  We know from Biblical history that David was not a sinless man, yet he had a heart for God.  He heard God, and when he realized he had sinned he confessed, repented, and received forgiveness.

Whole Heart Praise would be the giving of one’s self to the praise of the one and only who is worthy of praise.  True praise is more than words spoken.  It is a life lived.

The “Marvellous works” are the works which God is continually doing.  Jesus says,

“This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.”
(John 6:29)

We can show for the marvellous works of God through the wonderful works Jesus does in our own lives.  Beginning with trusting Him for your eternal salvation.

Excellent, Glorious Master

“O LORD our Lord, how excellent is Thy name in all the earth! Who hast set Thy glory above the heavens.” Psalm 8:1 (KJV)

There is only one God who is worthy of praise and worship. David knew who that one God is, and knew His name.  His name is Jehovah [YaHWeH] the Creator, Sustainer, and He has a Son by whom all things were made, and “Without Him was not anything made that was made” (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16).

We His highest creation are made to worship Him, and no other.  When we think too highly or ourselves we take away from His glory, the worship that He only is worthy of.  When we think too highly of a sports figure, a Hollywood actor, a child, or any celebrity we rob the one God of the worth ship only He deserves.

The name of the LORD (Jehovah) is the most excellent of names.  He is the One who has set His glory even above the heavens.  You and I were made to glory in His name.

He has made it possible for us to do so through the cross of His Son Jesus.  The God Man who came to die for our sins; died, was buried and bodily arose from the grave; and soon will be returning.  O glory in that most excellent name today.  He is the Most Excellent, Glorious Master.

Trust

“O LORD my God, in Thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:” Psalm 7:1 (KJV)

We people put our trust in things and people everyday.  Every time we sit in a chair we are trusting that the chair will not fall or break in pieces.  We get in our cars, and trust that it will start (of course sometimes they do not). We do those things without so much as a second thought most of the time.

Is it not amazing that we can put so much trust in things made and built by human kind, but when it comes to God we cannot trust Him to the same extent.

The Psalmist did.  God is more trust worthy than any object made by man.  He may not always deliver us from our situation, tragedy, or circumstance in life; as we ask Him to, but trust goes much further than deliverance from situations.  With God it goes to His character, and who He is.

There is a question which has been asked:  “If God never answered another one of your prayers would you still trust Him?”

My answer to that question is Yes.  He is still God.  He still loves me.  I can still trust Him for my future, and for today.  He knows what is best for you and me.

Be as the Psalmist.  Put your trust in the LORD God through the death, burial and bodily resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ.

Is GOD Angry?

“O LORD, rebuke me not in Thine anger, neither chasten me in Thy hot displeasure.”

To answer the title question; David the Psalmist thought God could be angry.  To ask, “Is God angry?” makes it sound as though one is thinking that He is angry all the time, through all eternity.

The Psalmist is asking for mercy.  Do I need mercy?  Definitely.  Do you need mercy?  Yes.  The human race needs mercy.  Jesus said,

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7).

There seems to be a mistaken belief that God could never be angry.  “How could a loving God be angry?” is the assumptive question.  How could a loving God never be angry? would be my question and thought.  If you love and someone hurts what you love does that not make you angry?

God loves His children.  He has proven that by the cross of Christ.  He poured out His anger upon His only begotten, sinless, spotless Son as He bled and died on the cross.  Now He declares all who come to Him through Jesus Christ “Righteous”.

The writer of Hebrews has written,

“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).

I am blessed to be in the hands of the living God.  I do not want God to be angry with me.  Like David I ask for His mercy.  It is found in Christ.

GOD’S Ear

“Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.” Psalm 5:1 (KJV)

It seems that every human being has something to say; and we feel that every thing we say is important.  From the smallest child, to the eldest among us we desire to be heard.  So many voices.  So many  thought.  So many words.

With so much being said; how can anyone be heard?  Family get togethers are a place for everyone to speak, but is anyone really heard?

There is One who will hear your heart, your words, your thoughts.  He is God. The God Man who is seated in heaven with the Father.  By Him we have access to the “Throne of grace” –  the very throne room of holy God.

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

We have access to the throne, the ear of God, through Jesus Christ God’s only begotten Son who died on the cross, was buried, and bodily arose from the grave.  Forty days later witnesses saw Him ascend into heaven; and soon He is returning to claim His own.

God has an ear for you. Do you have an ear for God?

Call for a Hearing

“Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.” Psalm 4:1 (KJV)

David the Psalmist had a great heart for calling on the LORD.  This appears to be his first action when facing difficulties.  Rather then complaining and being angry toward men he would often take his anxieties to the LORD, and receive comfort.

Now, David was by no means perfect.  He had his sins to deal with, and God chastised him for his sins; as God chastises all those who are His.

The man of God desires to have the ear of God.  Desires to have it during the bad times and the good.  He desires the righteousness of God.  Praises God for His blessings, and appreciates the mercy of God.

Call on God through His Son Jesus Christ today.  He will hear you.

When You are Troubled

“LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me.” Psalm 3:1 (KJV)

This Psalm is said to have been written by David while fleeing for his life from his son Absalom.  Absalom had taken over the kingdom or at least  part of it in anger, even hatred for his father.

What man, who loves his son or daughter, would not rather flee than to harm one of their children?  Yet it grieved the heart of David, and he felt as though his world was coming after him.

If you will note, however; David went to God about the situation.  That is the place we need to go when it seems the world is against us.  When the world is against us, or even only one is against us let our destination be before the face of the LORD.  Go now.

The People Versus God

There are competitions galore.  Track and Field competitions, swimming, football, soccer, basketball, even political competitions when we go to the polls and vote.  You get the idea.

One competition this world is in, and cannot win is the competition that is going on against God and His Word.  The following is what the Psalmist recognized in his day…

“Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?” Psalm 2:1 (KJV)

“The heathen” is another word for the nations of the world.  Hey world!  You cannot win against God.  It is already decided.  Jesus won on the cross.  The enemy is defeated.  The bodily resurrection of Christ is the evidence.  Submit to Him or perish in your sins, and rebellion.

The question of the Psalmist is a great one, “Why do the heathen rage?”  It is a foolish endeavor.  Believe Jesus and be delivered from your condemnation.

“He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:18

The Blessed Man

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” Psalm 1:1 (KJV)

It is said that “Blessed” means happy, and indeed that is the Hebrew meaning as well.  How does a man become blessed?  By walking the counsel of the godly, stands firmly against all that is sin in the eyes of God, and does not make a mocker of sin or God.

Keeping that in mind I think of Galations 6:7 –

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

If you desire to be a Blessed individual – man or woman – then choose the ways of God.  The way of God is by the cross of Jesus Christ, the God Man, who died, was buried and bodily rose from the grave; and is soon returning.

 

All That Your Eyes Have Seen

All That Your Eyes Have Seen

Deuteronomy 11:1-9

1.  Israel had seen the loving hand of God (v. 2).

2.  Israel had seen the miracles of God (v. 3).

3.  They had seen how God deals with rebellion (v. 6).

4.  They are called to keep the commandments (v. 8).

 

I.  THE CHRISTIAN CANNOT BEGIN TO NAME ALL THE THINGS WE HAVE SEEN OF GOD (1 Cor. 2:9; Isaiah 64:4).

II.  THE CHRISTIAN COUNTS THE GREATEST MIRACLE TO BE THAT OF NEW BIRTH IN CHRIST (John 3:1-8).

III.  THE CHRISTIAN IS COMFORTED, CONVICTED, AND CORRECTED BY THE ABIDING PRESENCE OF GOD’S SPIRIT (John 16:7-11).

IV.  THE CHRISTIAN IS CALLED TO KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3).

 

1. We ought to always be watching – on look out for the working of God.  If not in ourselves in the lives of others and places and things around us.

2.  We need to be open for God to work a miracle in our own hearts and lives every day.

Having a “Bad day” is that opportunity for God to work.

3.  We ought to always have our hearts and ears and eyes open for the comforting, convicting, correcting work of God’s Spirit in us.

4.  We are to always keep the commands of our Lord.

Loving God; loving one another is the work of God in us.

Watch always for the “Great acts of the LORD”.

Jesus on blogging

Great thoughts from a blog I read…

Pilgrim Dispatch's avatarMustard Seed Budget

Jesus on bloggingGive love. WordPress only has a “like” button. Blogging is not about you. It is about others. Give like love to others and leave comments.

Keep it short. Much has been written about Jesus, but He Himself? To the point. The sayings of Jesus would fill only a small pamphlet. The gospels about Him are brief and beautiful. On the blogosphere, you’re not writing a college monography that considers every angle.

Use pictures. Jesus spoke word pictures (called parables) that livened up his teaching. Take a lesson from Him.

Multiply. Jesus multiplied loves and fishes. You need to multiply your blog on other social media.

Be patient. Some want to go viral overnight. Jesus worked painstakingly with 12 disciples. Even then, Peter disowned Him at a critical moment. Only after Jesus restored Peter post-resurrection did the investment of time pay out.

Share. I’m troubled by Christians…

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Possessing the Promise

Possessing the Promise

Numbers 33:50-56

What Israel had to do to Possess the Promise:

1. Drive out the Inhabitants of the Land.
2. Rid the Land of all their Images of worship.
3. Destroy all their places of Worship.

What the Christian must do to Possess the Promise:

I. RID THE HEART OF ALL EVIL
II. DRIVE OUT ALL PAST SINS; PUT ON THE LORD JESUS.
III. THE HEART MUST BE CLEARED OF ALL PAST IMAGES OF WORSHIP.
IV. THE HEART GIVEN FULLY TO JESUS.
A. Possessing the Promise – We are to Put on the Lord Jesus Christ…
Rom. 13:12, 14; 1 Cor.15:53, 54; Gal. 3:27; Eph. 4:24; 6:11; Col. 3:10, 12, 14; 1 Thes.5:8; 2 Tim. 1:6

Where Our Possession Is

Where Your Possession Is

Numbers 32:20-33

1. The Land of Canaan; the Land of Promise was on the West Side of Jordan.
2. Two Tribes were Content to Be Given Land on the East Side of Jordan.
3. Agreement Was Reached; then the Half Tribe of Manasseh Wants in Too.
4. What Happens When God’s People do not Receive the Promise by Their Own Choice?

I. THE PROMISE FOR THE CHRISTIAN IS CHRIST AND HIS INHERITANCE.
II. THE CHRISTIAN CANNOT BE CONTENT OUTSIDE OF THAT PROMISE.
III. THERE WILL BE CONTINUING DISCONTENT ON THE EAST SIDE OF GOD’S PROMISE.
IV. WHERE DOES YOUR POSSESSION LIE?

 

Train wreck in U.S.-Israel relations: Senior Obama official calls Netanyahu vulgar name, signalling “red hot” hostility between two governments. Here’s the latest.

joelcrosenberg's avatarJoel C. Rosenberg's Blog

Train wreck in motion? Train wreck in motion?

(Central Israel) — The United States of America is going to turn against the State of Israel.

I wish it weren’t true, but Bible prophecy indicates that “all the nations of the earth” will turn hostile towards Israel, her capital of Jerusalem, and the Jewish people in the “last days,” and that as a result God will judge “all the nations.”

Examples:

  • “Behold, I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that causes reeling to all the peoples around; and when the siege is against Jerusalem, it will also be against Judah.It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it.” (Zechariah 12:2-3)
  • “For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather…

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Joel Osteen: «Obama is a Christian, doing a good job»

I do not often post things such as this, but as Christians today we need to be more and more aware of false teachers and false teaching.

ivarfjeld's avatar

Charismatic mega Church prosperity teacher Joel Osteen brands the US President as «A good Christian, who is doing a good job in a difficult time».

Joel Osteen and his wife

These questions came to mind while watching Joel Osteen and his lovely wife, Victoria, on CNN’s “Larry King Live” last week. King pointed out that many Americans are still confused about Obama’s religion and asked, «Does it matter?»

«Well, it matters to me,« said Osteen. «It matters to me that I know he loves the Lord, and I think it’s important that he has convictions from his faith. So to me, it matters when I’m making my personal decisions».

Mrs. Osteen weighed in, too: «It does. It matters to me. … I believe he is a Christian».

Source: http://www.worldnetdaily.com

My comment:

The Holy Spirit shall leads us into the truth, and all the truth. Joel Osteen is one of the leading global preachers of the…

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Words From the Heart

“Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: these are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.” Jesus Christ (Matthew 15:17-20 KJV)

The things we easily speak is what is in our hearts. When it flows with confidence and ease – whether it be good, bad, nasty, vulgar – if it comes with ease that is what is in our hearts.

May my heart be filled with the Spirit of Christ, that I may freely and with ease speak of Him, His glory, His passion – the cross – and His coming again.

~T.A.

ELIJAH VERSUS THE FALSE PROPHETS

Jack Woodard's avatarJack Woodard's Blog

elijahandfirefromheaven

1 KINGS 18:20-40
ELIJAH VERSUS THE FALSE PROPHETS

1. HE MUSTERED THEM [1 Kings 18:23-25]

Elijah didn’t play defense, he took the battle to the False Prophets.
You never win many battles by being on the defense all the time. A basketball team may play great defense, but they will never win a game if the don’t play offense and score some points.
We aren’t scoring many points against the wicked because we never take the battle to them and allow the Lord the opportunity to show Himself Mighty on behalf of His people.

2. HE MOCKED THEM [1 Kings 18:27]

Their life and ministry had been a mocking of the true God and Elijah returns the favor. False Prophets have too long been honored and accepted, it’s time those who mock our God be humbled in the eyes of God’s people for their evils.
Can you imagine the criticism…

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Able to Overcome

Able to Overcome

Numbers 13:30

1. Look at the background story (vv. 1-3; Deut. 1:19-23).
2. They searched the Promised Land to find it just as God had said; “A land flowing with milk and honey” (vv. 26-29).
3. They looked at the problem, rather than the Promise (vv. 31-33).

I. GOD HAD GIVEN THE PROMISE OF THE LAND; WHY DOUBT IT.

II. THOUGH IT MAY SEEM PRACTICAL TO SEARCH OUT THE LAND; WE WILL ONLY FIND IT AS GOD HAS SAID.

III. LET OUR FAITH BE LIKE THAT OF CALEB; “LET US GO UP AT ONCE” – WITHOUT DELAY.