Good morning, blog readers, from cloudy and cool (30 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 5 deer! Thank You, Jesus!

This headline, from the March 18th “Roys Report,” saddened, but not surprised, me: “Barna Survey; ‘Pastors Confidence in Ministry Calling Has Sharply Declined.'”

In the article, Josh Shepherd reported: “A new Barna survey finds most pastors feel less confident about their ministry calling than they did when they began to pastor a church. Only half of U.S. pastors are ‘very satisfied’ in their current vocation and two-thirds feel less confident. That’s according to a newly released survey by the Barna Group, a leading research firm that specializes in evangelical and religion trends. The number of pastors who feel burnt out, lonely or unwell is growing,’ the firm stated in research released on Wednesday. In 2015, 72% of pastors reported being ‘very satisfied’ with their current job. By last fall, only 52% of pastors had the same response.”

Certainly the pandemic had a lot to do with that. But, keep in mind, the Lord Jesus, in Matthew 24:10, said that, before His return, “many will fall away” (from the faith). And Paul, in II Thessalonians 2:1-4, said to the church at Thessalonica, “Let no one in any way deceive you, for it (the day of the Lord) will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness (the Antichrist) is revealed, the son of destruction.”

Personally I believe (not all Christians do) in a pre-trib rapture of the church where the Lord will come for His bride, the church, before the so-called “day of the Lord” begins. And, as we get closer to the Lord’s coming, we can be sure that our enemy, the devil, will step up his activity which will certainly discourage and depress pastors in their ministries. But, let me remind you, Jesus is coming! And He is “our blessed hope” (Titus 2:13). And so, in conclusion, let this old pastor of some 40+ years encourage all of you who are discouraged pastors with these words of “hope” from the apostle Paul in Romans 15:13: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

And, if you are not a believer in Jesus, why not become one today by agreeing with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) Who died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). Blessings with love, Doug (3/20/23)

Good morning, blog readers, from sunny and cold (16 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk under clear skies, I saw: the heavens declaring the glory of God (Psalm 19:1) and a dog! Thank You, Jesus!

This recent headline, from Technocracy News, really got my attention: “Medical Technocracy: The Forced Medication of All Citizens!”

The TN Editor wrote: “It should be, ‘your body, your choice.’ That’s over. The combined forces of Technocracy and Transhumanism are now in control of your body, both of what you put into it and what comes out of it. All disease, whether real or faked, will be treated by protocols from on high and at their discretion and timing.”

Aldous Huxley, in his “Brave New World,” wrote: ‘Most men and women will grow up to love their servitude and will never dream of revolution.’ It all started back in the 1950s with ‘these drugs will make you feel better, just try them.’ And people did. Over the years it morphed into ‘WE RECOMMEND these drugs if you don’t want to be sick, depressed or dead.’ Almost everyone listened and accepted that drugs were the answer and there was no way to live without them. Over the past three years it’s been ‘YOU MUST TAKE these drugs or else you endanger your own life and the lives of those around you.’ By this point, people were so conditioned to take drugs that they thought nothing of submitting to an experimental mRNA gene therapy that the experts promised would keep them ‘safe.’

Within the next couple of years, it will be ‘YOU ARE REQUIRED to take these drugs by law and if you don’t you will go to prison for endangering the planet.’ Having been consistently brainwashed for all these years, most people will unquestioningly comply. Those who don’t will be informed by neighbors, coworkers, even their own family members, for the safety of the planet.'” This reminded me of another sign of Jesus’ return which He gave His disciples in Mark 14:11, 12: “When they arrest you and hand you over (to the authorities), do not worry about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.” Just one more sign of the coming of the Antichrist and his kingdom where anyone who resists him will be put to death (Revelation 13).

Please know I am not making this up or trying to scare you. I’m just telling you what Jesus said is going to happen. And, I believe Jesus. And so, if you are a believer in Jesus, get ready for an all-out war against our adversary, the devil who is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (I Peter 5:8). Then, Peter said, in verse 9, “Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.” And, if you are not a believer in Jesus, please, I beg you, agree with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) and believe He died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). Blessings, Doug (3/19/23)

Good morning, blog readers, from cloudy, windy and cold (10 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my shortened morning walk because of the wind and cold, I did not see any of God’s creatures, but made it home safely! Thank You, Jesus!

This headline, from Technocracy News, caught my eye this morning: “Boom: Trilateral Commission Declares ‘2023’ is Year One of this new global order!”

The TN Editor reported: “The Trilateral Commission’s 50th anniversary marks the culmination of its self-proclaimed ‘New International Economic Order.’ On March 12th, the Trilateral Commission held its plenary meeting in New Delhi, India to discuss issues relating to globalization. Trilateral Commission co-founder Zbigniew Brzezinski’s ‘Technetronic Era’ has apparently arrived.

Amid the new world alliances that are forming as India and China (perhaps, two of the “kings from the east” which are mentioned in Revelation 16:12-16 ) seek to normalize relations and as China just brokered a relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the globalist narrative has opened a new, and possibly, final, chapter. According to NikkeiAsia, one unnamed ‘Trilateral Commission member addressed the plenary meeting and stated,

‘Three decades of globalization – defined as integrated, free-market based and deflationary – has been replaced by what will be a multidecade period of globalization defined as fragmented, not-free-market-based but industrial-policy based and structurally inflationary. This year, 2023, is Year One of this new global order.’

Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF) stated in 2020, ‘The pandemic represents a rare but narrow window of opportunity to reflect, reimagine, and reset our world.'”

Sounds to me a lot like what the apostle John wrote about in Revelation 13 and 17 which will ultimately lead to the destruction of this “new-world Babylon” and the second coming of Christ in Revelation 18 and 19. Stay tuned!

Already, this year, we have seen the continuation of the war between Russia and Ukraine which seems to be never-ending. However, according to Ezekiel 38 and 39, I believe (and I could be wrong) there will come a time when Russia, Iran, Libya, Turkey and a host of other nations will leave this war and go down to Israel to “take a spoil” from the Israelis, only to be destroyed by the Lord God Himself. And, I also believe (and I could be wrong) we may see this happen in our lifetime. But, first, I also believe (and I could be wrong) Israel’s Muslim neighbors will attack Israel to “wipe her out as a nation,” only to be destroyed by Israel’s “exceedingly great army (Psalm 83: Ezekiel 37:10).”

Only God knows for sure what will happen in the year 2023. So, let us, as believers in Jesus, fix our eyes on Him (Hebrews 12:2) while we watch, wait, work, witness for, walk with and worship Him until He comes. And, if you are not a believer in Jesus, be thankful you still have time to get right with God by agreeing with Him you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) Who died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-5) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). Blessings with love, Doug (3/18/23)

Good morning, blog readers, from cloudy, windy and cool (26 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk in a strong wind out of the west, I did not see any of God’s creatures, but still had a nice walk! Thank You, Jesus!

Here are a couple of headlines in the “rumors of war” department which will be interesting to watch in the days to come:

#1. China’s Xi to meet Putin as Beijing seeks bolder global role (Reuters)

#2. Slovakia sends MIG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine (Reuters)

The first headline should not come as a surprise to anyone, as the U.S. becomes weaker and weaker and more vulnerable to an attack from Russia and China.

And, the second headline is laughable and sad when we learn, from the Reuters staff, “It’s (Slovakia’s) fleet was retired last summer and most of them are not in operational condition. It will send those that are operational and the rest will go for spare parts.” Question to the Slovakian pilots: “Anyone want to volunteer for a suicide mission?”

#3.Then, there was this headline from Dr. Joseph Mercola: “A Chemical Accident Is Happening Every Two Days on Average.”

Dr. Mercola reported: “During the first seven weeks of 2023, the Coalition to Prevent Chemical Disasters (CPCD) reported 30 chemical accidents in the U.S., or one every 1.5 days. On average, one estimate suggests accidental chemical releases due to train derailments, leaks from industrial plants, truck accidents and pipeline ruptures occur every two days.

Every U.S. state is home to chemical facilities that store or use hazardous chemicals, such as fertilizer plants, petroleum refineries, chemical manufacturers, wastewater treatment plants and more. In all, about 12,500 facilities exist in the U.S., and 39% of the population – nearly 124 million people – live within 3 miles of one.” Note: I didn’t know that.

All of this reminded me of Philippians 3:20, 21 where the apostle Paul wrote: “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ Who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.”

So, let me ask you: : “Do you know where you will spend eternity?” I am 100% sure that I will spend my eternity in heaven with Jesus because I have agreed with God I am a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) Who died on a cross for my sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all my sins and give me eternal life (John 3:16). It’s as simple as that. And, once you have become a believer in Jesus, then you are to: watch, wait, work, witness for, walk with and worship Jesus until He comes. Blessings with love, Doug (3/17/23)

Good morning, blog readers, from cloudy and cool (38 degrees) where, on my morning walk, I saw: 7 deer! Thank You, Jesus!

Over the last 7 days, there have been 219 (2.5+) earthquakes in 11 different states: Alaska (146), California (33), Hawaii (10), Texas (10), Colorado (4), Nevada (4) Montana (4) New Mexico (3), Oklahoma (3) and one each in Idaho and Tennessee. In addition, there have also been: 27 “moderate” (5.0-5.7) quakes around the world, one “strong” (6.3) quake in Papua New Guinea and one “major” (7.0) quake in the Kermadec Island Region. Also of note, there was a “light” (4.4) quake in the Vancouver Island Region and the four quakes in Montana where in the West Yellowstone area, both of which bear watching. Stay tuned! Remember, Jesus said that, before His return: “There will be earthquakes in various places (Matthew 24:7; Mark 13:8 and Luke 21: 11).”

And, here’s another headline from EarthSky which may or may not be prophetical: “Asteroid 2023 EY to sweep closer than moon tonight.” And, Jesus said, in Luke 21:25-28: “There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” I can’t wait; but wait I must and watch, work, witness for, walk with and worship Jesus until He comes.

And, if you are not a believer in Jesus, please know your time is running out; Jesus is coming and, perhaps, sooner than you think. And, when He comes, He will either take you to heaven or send you to hell for eternity. So, please, right now, if you haven’t already done so, agree with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) Who died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16).And, if you do, I’ll see you in heaven. Love, blessings and prayers, Doug (3/16/23)

Good morning, blog readers, from cloudy and cold (17 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I did not see any of God’s creatures, but did see a beautiful slice of the moon! Thank You, Jesus!

This morning headline, from the Reagan Foundation, sadly got my attention this morning: “US gets an ‘F’ for erratic, unfocused funding of defense innovation.”

In the article, Sydney Freeburg Jr. wrote: “Despite spending over $800 billion a year, the Defense Department chronically under-invests in cutting-edge technology and struggles to leverage the even greater investments being made by private-sector innovators in fields from AI and networks to space and biotech.”

And, not surprisingly, there was this headline of a similar nature: “The US military said a Russian fighter plane clipped the propeller of one of its spy drones and made it crash into the Black Sea.”

Oh, and one more scary, but perhaps prophetical, headline from the New York Times: “Pythons, invasive and hungry, are making their way north in Florida.” In the article, Patricia Mazzei reported: “So much for all the efforts to slow the proliferation of Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades over the last two decades, including with paid contractors trained volunteers, and an annual hunt that has drawn participants from as far away as Latvia: The giant snakes have been making their way north, reaching West Palm Beach and Fort Myers and threatening ever-larger stretches of the ecosystem.”

That made me think of Revelation 9:18, 19 where John wrote: “A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues, by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which proceeded out of their (the horses) mouths. For the power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents and have heads, and with them they do harm.”

I don’t know about you but, in light of these stories, I am eagerly awaiting the Savior from heaven, the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20). Got to go shortly. So, dearly beloved in Christ, keep watching, waiting, working, witnessing for, walking with and worshiping Jesus until He comes. And, if you are not a believer in Jesus, please, become one today by agreeing with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) and believe He died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). Blessings in Christ, Doug (3/15/23)

Good morning, blog readers, from clear and cold (14 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 3 deer! Thank You, Jesus!

These headlines, from today’s news, caught my prophetical eye this morning:

#1. AP News: North Korea Launches Two Missiles to Sea, As Allies (South Korea and the U.S.) Hold Drills

#2. Gatestone Institute: Iran, China and the Panama Canal: Is the US Being Encircled?

As I have said numerous times before, Jesus, in Matthew 24:6, Mark 13:7 and Luke 21:9, told His disciples: “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of war” among the “signs” leading up to His return. And, as I have also said before, we can be thankful that these “rumors” are still “rumors!” However, the Bible records a number of these wars (which, I believe, are still future and, maybe in our lifetime) in Psalm 83, Isaiah 17:1, Ezekiel 38-39 and Revelation 6-20. Stay tuned!

Over the last year, I have written about North Korea’s numerous missile-launches into the sea. However, the second headline was a new one to me. And, in the article, Lawrence A. Franklin reported: “Iran and China are on the move again. Last Friday, to the apparent surprise of the Biden Administration (?), China asserted its influence in the Middle East by entering the vacuum created by US President Joe Biden, and brokering a deal between Iran and its threatened neighbor, Saudi Arabia, which Biden had vowed to make a ‘pariah,’ and ‘end the sale of material’ to it. The Saudis heard.

Iran, meanwhile, has not been shy about its mission to ‘export the revolution’ to the Western Hemisphere. Most recently, in February, two Iranian warships docked in Brazil, under its recently elected socialist president, Socialist Luis Inacio Lula da Silva. From there, the ships will reportedly proceed to the Panama Canal, already controlled at both ends by Iran’s newest ally – the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).” Stay tuned!

Have you noticed, there hasn’t been a lot of “good news” of late? Banks failing, trains derailing, food shortages, murders, wars, drug overdoses, nations spying and kidnappings, among other problems, all on the rise big time. And yet, despite all the “bad news,” there is still the “good news” that Jesus and His kingdom are coming! Glory to God! I can’t wait! But, wait, I must, and so should you, as a believer in Jesus, along with watching, working, witnessing for, walking with and worshiping Jesus until He comes. And, if you are not a believer in Jesus, then, get with it and become one before it is too late by agreeing with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) and believe He died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). And, if you do, I’ll see you in heaven. Blessings with love and prayers, Doug (3/14/23)

Good morning, blog readers, from snowy and cool (32 degrees Wisconsin) where, on my morning walk, I saw: 5 deer! Thank You, Jesus!

This morning headline, from the Gatestone Institute, is very alarming: “China’s War Warnings!” In the article, Gordon G. Chang wrote: “The world needs to look at what the Chinese leadership is in fact doing. Xi Jinping appointed what is known as his ‘war cabinet’ in October, at the Communist Party’s 20th National Congress; he is implementing the largest military buildup since the Second World War; he has been trying to sanctions-proof his regime; and he is mobilizing the civilian population for war. Communist Party cadres, for example, are taking over privately owned factories and converting them from civilian to military production.

In the latest move, China’s regime is establishing National Defense Mobilization Offices across the country. The Reservists Law went into effect the first of this month. Whatever China intends, its intended victims need to match its preparations. There has never been a time when it has been more important to deter the People’s Republic of China.

Whatever China’s intentions … this cannot end well. The problem is complacency. Xi Xinping and Qin Gang, whatever they are doing, are establishing a justification to strike America – and they are making preparations to do so.”

So, in light of all this foreboding news from China, what are we, as a nation to do? And, more importantly, what are we as Christians to do?

First of all, let me tell you what the Bible says about all this? Remember, Jesus told His disciples that, before His return, “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of war (Matthew 24:6; Mark 13:7 and Luke 21:9).” Right now, we can be thankful these are still “rumors” and not “wars.” However, just like Russia’s threat to invade Ukraine turned into a war with Ukraine, so, too, I believe (and I could be wrong) that China’s “rumors of war” will also turn into war, as we see, in Revelation 16:12-16, where “the kings from the east” (which, more than likely will include China), march to Megiddo for war which will also lead to the second coming of Christ and the defeat of His enemies (Revelation 19:11-21).

But, in the meantime, what are we to do while China prepares for war, perhaps even a war with the USA? First of all, we are not to panic or be afraid. I like what Peter says about this in I Peter 4:12, 13: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing (really? yes, really!), so that also at the revelation of His (Christ’s) glory you may rejoice with exultation.”

In other words, as I have said before, we should continue to: watch, wait, work, witness for, walk with and worship Jesus until He comes. And, if you are not a believer in Jesus, why not become one today? All you need to do is: agree with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) and believe He died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). And, if you do, I’ll see you in heaven. Off to worship and fellowship! Blessings with love, Doug (3/12/23)

Good morning, blog readers, from cloudy and cool (27 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 3 robins, 2 deer and a bunny! Thank You, Jesus!

If you’re like me, you have no idea what ChatGPT is, but need to be discerning about it. Dr. Joseph Mercola wrote: “ChatGPT is a chatbot powered by artificial intelligence (AI). ‘GPT’ stands for ‘generative pretrained transformer,’ and the ‘chat’ indicates that it’s a chatbot.

ChatGPT, released at the end of November 2022, has taken internet users by storm, acquiring 1 million users in the first five days. Two months after its release, it had more than 30 million users. ChatGPT or something like it will replace conventional search engines. Any online query will have only one answer, and that answer will not be based on all available knowledge, but the data the bot is allowed to access. As such, the owners and programmers of the bot will have complete information control.

While OpenAI, the creator of this groundbreaking AI chatbot, is a private company, we should not linger under the illusion that they’re not part of the control network that will ultimately be ruled and run by a technocratic One World Government. Early testers of ChayGPT are reporting the bot is developing disturbing and frightening tendencies, berating, gaslighting and even threatening and harassing users.” Note: Sounds demonic to me!

This next headline is just as disturbing and evil: “Biden Administration Allowing Iran’s Mullahs to Join the ‘Nuclear Club.’ In the article, Majid Rafizadeh of the Gatestone Institute, reported: “Ever since the Biden Administration shifted Washington’s Iran policy from maximum pressure to total appeasement, the ruling mullahs’ nuclear advances have been remarkable. In the meantime, the Biden administration does not appear even slightly concerned that a regime which has frequently threatened to wipe two entire countries, America and Israel, off the map, is closer than ever to possessing nuclear weapons.”

Let me remind you, based on what the Lord said, in Jeremiah 31:35-37, there will always be an Israel (though, according to Zechariah 13:8, 9, only one third of Israel will recognize Jesus as her Messiah and Savior and enter the kingdom when He returns to the earth.

Yes, dearly beloved in Christ, He is coming and, perhaps, sooner than you might think, as the “signs” of His return continue to increase in “frequency and intensity” like “birth pains,” as Jesus said they would in Matthew 24:8. So, stay tuned and keep watching, waiting, working, witnessing for, walking with and worshiping Jesus until He comes. And, if you are not a believer in Jesus, please, agree with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) and believe He died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). Blessings with love and prayers, Doug (3/11/23)

Good morning, blog readers, from snowy and cool (30 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk with about 6 inches of snow on the ground, I saw: 4 deer, a dog and a robin! Thank You, Jesus!

Yesterday, there were 15 mostly “minor” earthquakes in Alaska; today, there have been another 24 for a two-day total of 39! What does that mean? I don’t know, but it bears watching. In addition, over the last 24 hours, there have been another 12, mostly “minor,” quakes in: Colorado (3), Hawaii (2) and one each in California, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon and Texas. Stay tuned!

This headline, from Dr. Joseph Mercola, got my attention this morning: “How the Powerful Captured the Public in a Pandemic.” In the article, Dr. Mercola reported: “Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks the truth about the authoritarian pandemic response that continues to threaten democracy and liberty as we know it. In an interview with journalist Kim Iversen, Kennedy explains how the military industrial complex uses mind control techniques and fear to exert control over the population.

Fear is the enemy, as it allows totalitarian systems to take control of people. While democracy is resilient we now have the technology available to control human behavior at a large scale. Democracy is dependent on the free flow of information, while censorship leads to totalitarianism.”

Sounds to me like a stepping stone to Revelation 13 which I would encourage you to read because, I believe, this will be the government of the future under the antichrist. But, have no fear, there’s good news for the believers in Jesus: He is coming and will ultimately destroy all of His enemies and set up His glorious kingdom on earth, as it is in heaven, as we pray in the “Lord’s Prayer” (Matthew 6:9, 10).

Keep in mind, Satan rules this world. Paul, in II Corinthians 4:4, called him “the god of this world who has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, Who is the image of God.” Let me ask you a question: “Has Satan blinded you to the truth of the gospel of the glory of Christ?” If so, you are without hope, the “blessed hope of the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).”

But, there’s good news: God loves you and wants you to spend eternity with Him in heaven. And, all you need to do is to agree with Him you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23) and believe He died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). That’s it. And, if you do, I’ll see you in heaven, if not sooner. And, If you are a believer in Jesus, then report for duty and keep watching, waiting, working, witnessing for, walking with and worshiping Jesus until He comes. Blessings with love and prayers, Doug (3/10/23)