Devotionals

A Religion or a Relationship

Loring Schultz

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved.” Matthew 9:17 NLT

Photo by Gift Habeshaw on Unsplash

You may have heard the saying, ‘Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationship.’ Having embraced that quote, I have use it often in conversations with others in explaining the difference between Christianity and the many religions in the world throughout history. Christianity is not a set of rules and observances that must be followed in order to become a Christian. Christianity is a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus says in the gospel of Matthew, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Mt.11:28-30 esv) Jesus was addressing those who were burdened with their sin, trying to find peace and rest obeying the Law, and realizing it was not possible through a set of rituals.

One such observance was fasting. Fasting was common among the Jews in Jesus’ day. The Day of Atonement was an annual Scriptural fast that was observed. Other fasts have been added over time to include a fast every Monday and Thursday. These fasts had been observed by the Pharisees and by John the Baptist’s disciples. They asked Jesus why His disciples did not participate in these fasts. Jesus takes this opportunity to note that the Kingdom has arrived. His disciples cannot fast while Jesus is with them. They will fast one day when Jesus is not physically with them, but not in the same way. Jesus did not come to add to the Law, as one would sew a piece of new cloth on a garment, but he came to fulfill the Law.

Today, as well, there are those who feel they need to adhere to a set of rules of a particular religion, even Christianity, to acquire peace and an eternal home. The Pharisees, teachers of the Law, felt the same way. Jesus says that is not true. “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins.” (Mt.9:17a nlt)  As Jesus explained to John’s disciples and the Pharisees, the new covenant and the Law are not compatible. “New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved.” (Mt.9:17b nlt)

Have you been trying to live up to the standards of a certain religion only to find out that it is impossible? You have been pursing to obey the Ten Commandments and have found that to be impossible as well? Christianity is not a religion of works, but a relationship with Jesus Christ through faith in Him. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Eph.2:8-9 esv) What is it you are pursing, a religion, or a relationship?

Devotionals

Living in the Moment

Loring Schultz

“We don’t remember what happened in the past, and in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now.” Ecclesiastes 1:11 NLT

person doing a video recording
Photo by Антон Злобин on Pexels.com

Social media has masterfully crafted ‘living in the moment’ as a way of life. Our lives are captured moment by moment on our social pages for all the world to see, or if your cautious for friends only, all 2,000 of them. Granted there are special occasions and unexpected events we all like to share. Unfortunately, this has become an obsession with some to share everything, and a desire to know everything about everybody. People follow those they like, those they don’t like, those they admire, entertainers, politicians, sports figures, news organizations, cultural influencers, and anybody to get the latest happenings in the moment. Hear what the preacher says in the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, “Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content.” (1:8 nlt)

Living in the moment has its moments but then they are gone. They do not last. The preacher also says, “We don’t remember what happened in the past, and in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now.” (Ec.1:11 nlt) Insignificant events will not be remembered. Events on a major scale eventually lose impact over time such as September 11th and the Holocaust. They are still remembered but the effect felt over the world begins to fade. There are occasions when a moment of time is etched in history, but most do not come to mind without the help of AI.

Living in the moment today on social media is frivolous, especially if those moments are meaningless and have no significant impact. Living every moment for the glory of God will have a major impact for eternity. Our entire lives are only for a moment compared to eternity, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (Ja.4:14 niv) If we are going to live in the moment, let us make every moment count for eternity.

Bible Studies

“Paul’s Call as an Apostle” Let Freedom Ring: the book of Galatians          

Loring Schultz

Read: Galatians 1:11-24 NLT – Paul’s Message Comes from Christ – Bible Gateway

“But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.” Galatians 1:15-16 NLT

Bearded teacher addressing a seated crowd in a candlelit stone room

Last week in the book of Galatians in Biblical Insights we have the apostle Paul in amazement that the people who accepted the gospel of Christ had so quickly moved away from it. Paul said to them, “I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all.” (Gal.1:6-7 nlt) The churches in Galatia were being influenced by the Judaizers who claimed the gospel was not complete until you added certain Jewish traditions. The Judaizers were not fond of Paul and tried to discredit him saying he was not a true apostle and was preaching lies. This week we take a look at Paul’s continued response to these accusations as he explains his call to apostleship and how he received the gospel he preached.

Paul makes certain to tell the people, especially the Judaizers, that the gospel he was preaching was not made up from any human and certainly not him. If it were of a human source it would have been like so many of the world’s religions, a gospel of good works. No, Paul received this gospel directly from Jesus Christ. “I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ.” (Gal.1:12 nlt) As one modern-day commentator noted, ‘it wasn’t man reaching up to God, but God reaching down to man.’ Some of Paul’s critics thought that he may have learned of this gospel from the original apostles, but we will find out below he did not.

Paul then points to his previous years as a Jewish rabbi. Studying under the most recognized chief rabbis of the day, he was way ahead of his class in learning and understanding the Jewish law, both the Law of Moses and all the traditions of the elders that were added over the years. Paul was the most zealous of all the rabbis in Jerusalem and had a profound hatred of Christians, or as they were known then as ‘the way.’ His life mission was aimed at destroying as many Christians as he could even putting them to death. Paul looked upon what he was doing as a service to God. Sadly, today we still hear that reasoning from certain radical religious groups. This is exactly where Paul was. But now Paul is refuting his past. He notes who would be the one who could get him to reverse course and stop persecuting Christians and preach the Good News of Jesus Christ but Jesus Himself.

The zealous rabbi Saul, who is now Paul, had his first encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus on his way to bring those converting to Christianity back to Jerusalem in chains. “As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?’ ‘Who are you, lord?’ Saul asked. And the voice replied, ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!’” (Acts 9:3-5 nlt) The Lord then sent Ananias to Paul to lay hands on him to receive back his sight as he was struck with blindness. The Lord revealed this, ‘“Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.” (Acts 9:15-16 nlt) Fast forward to the apostle’s writing in Galatians. Paul explains his calling was not just on that day but from eternity past. “But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.” (Gal.1:15-16 nlt) If the Lord did all this in calling Saul, the rabbi, to Paul, the apostle, He certainty revealed to Paul the gospel. It was ‘by direct revelation from Jesus Christ.’

After Paul’s encounter with the Lord in Damascus he did not confer with anyone nor did he go to Jerusalem to meet with the other apostles. Paul knew what the Lord wanted him to do, preach to the Gentiles. He then went to Arabia to be alone with the Lord and think things through. Paul is thought to have been there for three years. It is where he got his ministry training from the Lord Himself. It is interesting Jesus also taught His disciples for three years and today most seminary student programs are three years of training.

Paul then traveled to Jerusalem to meet with Peter. He wanted to get to know Peter and glean from him what he could about Jesus’ teaching and lifestyle. Paul mentions the only other apostle he met with was James, the Lord’s brother, which confirms Jesus had siblings. Paul declared that everything he was saying was not a lie because he was constantly being accused of lying.

The Syria and Cilicia provinces in Asia Minor was Paul’s next stop as he traveled on this time towards his hometown of Tarsus. Paul made it clear that the gospel he preached was not contrived from man but the Lord and he proved that it could have only been the Lord who revealed it him. Further proof was the churches in Judea only knew Paul as Saul who persecuted them. Paul clearly was not meeting with the apostles to learn the gospel. The people of Judea praised God for the change they saw in Saul, now Paul, a minister of the gospel, the Good News.

Next week Paul is accepted by the apostles………

A Christian Perspective

Random World News Headlines November 6, 2026:

Loring Schultz

‘“Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!’” Luke 2:10-11 NLT

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The term ‘the world is on fire’ has been used lately concerning the conditions in the world and it is gaining steam. Indeed, it does seem that the world is on fire. Just take note of News Headlines from around the world posted yesterday November 6, 2026:

‘Democrats’ election win spooks AI investors, hammering stocks’ (Reuters)

‘Air strikes on a market in Southwestern Yemen kills 30, Houthis say’ (AP News)

‘Officials condemn planned Philadelphia boycott of Jewish-owned businesses as antisemitic’ (CNN)

‘France: More than 600,000 protest as anger grows over cost of living’ (DW.com)

‘Kenyan doomsday cut leader given life sentence for murdering 191 people’ (BBC)

‘Corporate America courted Trump. Now a blitz of investigations is coming’ (Washington Post)

‘A broken system: Can Israel fix its electoral rules before its democracy crumbles’ (Jerusalem Post)

The world in 2026 is on fire! There are few places, if any, that enjoy peaceful conditions without a hint of chaos. This is a fallen world. The only hope this world has and that includes every nation, every leader, and every individual is Jesus Christ. He has already come the first time to take care of our most crucial need, our eternal souls in need of salvation. He is coming again a second time for our second need, a ruler who will rule the world with justice. Think of the ‘news headlines’ in that day. They will not resemble yesterday’s in any way. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Devotionals

Bitter Fruit                     

Loring Schultz

“When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the LORD……but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected.” Genesis 4:3, 5 NLT

Photo by Akbar Nemati on Unsplash

The story of Cain and Abel in Genesis chapter 4 is well-known even among those who have no regards for God or His Word. This story validates the proof of the truth of Scripture. When Adam and Eve fell by eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden everything changed. They knew sin for the first time. They tried to cover their sin and shame. All they said to God when confronted by him was true but was said to excuse their disobeying God. Their excuses became the ‘bitter fruit’ now being produced due to the fall.

Cain, Adam and Eve’s first born child, was a farmer. He cultivated the ground. We have no reason to doubt Cain was a good a farmer, he was very good. Cain’s gift of his crops were the absolute best, but God did not accept them. This portion of Scripture does not give the reason for Cain’s rejection and his brother Abel’s acceptance. The author of the book of Hebrews does give us the reason. “It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts.” (Heb.11:4 nlt) It was a matter of the heart. Cain’s heart was not right for the first worship service recorded in the Bible.

Yes, everything changed after the fall. Abundant joyous fruit of life was replaced by bitter fruit beginning in the smallest increments. Adam and Eve tried to excuse their sin, Cain was not on-board with whole-hearted worship, and when rejected by God Cain became angry. We know what happened next. Cain’s cultivation of the ground with God’s help produced abundant good fruit, but out of a sinful heart starting with tiny amounts is the bitter fruit of sin. Let our hearts be cultivated by the Holy Spirit to produce good fruit and let us not allow the seeds of bitter fruit in our sinful hearts see the light of day.

Devotionals

Pray for us  

Loring Schultz

Read: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 NLT – Paul’s Request for Prayer – Finally, – Bible Gateway

“Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer.” 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 NLT

Group of people praying around a stone table; wall text reads "ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΕΙΣ ΠΡΟΣΕΥΧΟΜΕΝΟΙ ΥΠΕΡ ΠΑΥΛΟΥ."

God’s Word, the Bible, is often referred to as a living book. It is alive today speaking truth and instructing us how to live. Words that were written throughout the centuries can be applied today for they are relevant and they come from almighty God. God did not leave us in this world to work out it for ourselves but gave us His timeless instruction book to follow.

The church at Thessalonica was one of the apostle Paul’s dearest churches. He gave thanks to God for their readiness in accepting the gospel and being such a good example to other churches in spreading the Word while enduring under persecution. Paul prayed for them and asked them to pray for him. Specificaly, in his second letter to the church, Paul asks them to pray for him and his ministry team. What was Paul’s primary concern, “Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes.” (2Thess.3:1 nlt) Paul prayed that the gospel message he was preaching would be effective, would spread, and would not slow down. He also prayed for protection that would hinder the Word from being preached.

Many Christian churches today have missionaries they either send out or support the work of mission agencies that are reaching others for Christ. A major part of that support is prayer. I do not believe there has been one missionary I heard in my lifetime when asked what their biggest need is did not say prayer. It is vital. They know it. We should know also as churches and individual Christians how important prayer is for those who present the gospel, especially those in hostile environments. Paul asked for prayer for himself and his mission team. God’s Word gives us an example of praying for those who present the gospel. May we be praying for missionaries around the world. They are asking us to pray for them.

Devotionals

Thankful for Our Brothers and Sisters in Christ

Loring Schultz

Read: Colossians 3:12-17 NLT – Since God chose you to be the holy – Bible Gateway

“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:14-15 NLT

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November has rolled around once again and as fast as it came upon us it will exit just as fast. As we think about the month of November what comes to mind, at least in the United States, is Thanksgiving. The closer we get to Thanksgiving Day the more featured stories of what we are thankful for will emerge. Most are very thoughtful and engaging placing ourselves in agreement with our own experiences. Some are very emotional for a variety of reasons and have way of relating to many people. And then most of us have our own stories to tell which may also influence others as the previous two examples have.

Sharing our Thanksgiving stories (what we are thankful for) with the world in general is commendable. We may influence others by expressing our thanks to God for every situation that has come into our lives over the past year. It is another opportunity to be salt and light in a world that desperately needs it. May we take advantage of it.

Just as we want to encourage and influence the world around us we should want to do the same with our church family, the body of Christ. Sharing our stories of thanks with our brothers and sisters in Christ is both encouraging to us as those who hear it. Most of all it blesses God and gives Him the glory. Let us start this Sunday in sharing what the Lord has done for us with those in our church family. May it not end on Thanksgiving weekend but be on-going through the Christmas season and into the New Year!

Devotionals

The Encouraging Words of Discipline

Loring Schultz

“My child, don’t reject the LORD’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you.” Proverbs 3:11 NLT

“For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” Hebrews 12:6 NLT

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‘Discipline’ is defined as; 1. a branch of learning, 2. training that develops self-control, efficiency, etc. 3. strict control to enforce obedience, 4. Treatment that corrects or punishes. Careful examination of the definition of ‘discipline’ validates these are encouraging words for they seek to train, educate and prompt one to see the error of their ways. Discipline is not pleasant at the time received, just ask any child. But parents and guardians realize the necessity to correct a child of wrongdoing in the early stages of life. They also do it out of sincere love. Adults also face discipline when breaking laws resulting in punishment from those in authority or going against company or workplace policies. A company I worked for in retail management had one store if a manager was transferred there, you knew it was for disciplinary reasons. The goal was always to train, educate and prompt one to see the error of their ways.

Our heavenly Father disciplines His spiritual children as earthly parents discipline their children. He does it out of love for us. Some of the discipline we receive from the Lord is for immediate results for something we have done, but most is for our spiritual growth to live holy lives. It is for our good that the Lord disciplines us, and we should not despise it as if we do not deserve it. The writer of the book of Hebrews says, “And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, ‘My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you.’” (Heb.12:5 nlt)

Be careful not to view every terrible thing that happens to you it is God disciplining you. We live in a sinful world, and dreadful things happen all the time. If you are sincere in walking with the Lord, you will be able to discern His loving hand of discipline on you when it occurs. And remember, “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” (Heb.12:11 nlt)

Devotionals

Responsibility in the family

Loring Schultz

“What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting.” Matthew 18:7 NLT

Photo by Claudia Raya on Unsplash

The Christian church is a family, a local family within the universal church family. Jesus Christ is the head of the church, His church, and we who belong to Him by faith are not only members of the church but are part of the family of God. Being part of a family comes with responsibility. We are to look out for the well-being of each other by praying for each other, helping  those in need, supporting, and encouraging one another, and most of all not lead anyone into sin disgracing the name of our Lord Jesus.

Jesus said, “What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin.” Those affiliated with this broken and fallen world will indeed tempt people to sin. Jesus says it is inevitable; it is their nature. But those in the family of God have a new nature. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2Cor.5:17 nlt) Jesus warns us in Matthew 18:7-9, that even though temptations will come, woe to those in the family of God for the sorrow that will come upon them if His children are the tempters. Graphic illustrations are used by our Lord in verse 8 and 9 to convey the seriousness of leading someone into sin directly or indirectly. We are able to easily lead someone astray by our actions as we are observed by others in the family. All of us have a responsibility to each other to live godly lives.

The Booth Brothers, one of Southern Gospels most recognized modern-day groups, recorded the song “Welcome to the family” which embraces the thought of the church as a family, the family of God. The bridge and third stanza are as follows.

“When I count my blessings it’s easy to see
My brothers and sisters that mean so much to me

I think about the many times they’ve kept me in their prayers
And the countless ways they’ve always shown me that they care
And I know they’ll still walk with me no matter what’s ahead
Yes so much more than just their words, their lives have always said.”

Well-lived godly lives is our ‘responsibility in the family.’

Bible Studies

“Introduction” Let Freedom Ring: the book of Galatians

Loring Schultz

Read: Galatians 1:1-10 NLT – Greetings from Paul – This letter is – Bible Gateway

“This letter is from Paul, an apostle. I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead.” Galatians 1:1 NLT

Photo by James Coleman on Unsplash

This week in Biblical Insights we begin a new series in the New Testament book of Galatians. Our opening verse tells us the apostle Paul authored this book which was actually a letter written to the churches in Galatia. These were churches Paul founded on his first missionary journey in cities throughout ancient Asia Minor. This is the only epistle Paul wrote addressing more than one city. Here he is addressing those in the Galatia region. The main theme in Paul’s letter to the Galatians is ‘justification by faith,’ which Paul preached when establishing these churches. There are no works involved for one to come to Christ but to accept His free gift of salvation. The purpose for writing to the Galatian churches was to correct false teaching that was being spread after Paul had left to continue his journey. These false teachers were agitators who did not like Paul and attacked him personally as not being qualified to preach let alone refer to himself as an apostle. They accused Paul of preaching a false gospel when he preach salvation by faith alone. The Judaizers, as they were called, were adding works and Jewish traditions to faith, and therefore distorting the gospel message of ‘salvation by grace through faith alone.’

The book of Galatians is sometimes referred to as the ‘Magna Charta of Christian Liberty’ or ‘Declaration of Independence of Christian liberty.’ Martin Luther called Galatians his ‘Catherine von Bora’ after his wife. He loved her and he loved the book of Galatians and said, “I am married to it,” as Luther was married to his wife. The central truth in the book is again, ‘man is justified by faith in Jesus Christ,’ nothing else is needed. This was the core of Luther’s ministry as well.

It was important to Paul but vital for the churches to recognize Paul’s apostleship. He claimed to be a direct appointee by Jesus Christ and God the Father. Paul’s message was serious, simple and to the point but he would speak it with authority. Paul needed to seen as a true apostle with  apostolic authority. His enemies did all they could to cast doubt on his credentials. So, Paul starts out by saying, “I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead.” (Gal.1:1 nlt) Paul then gives them his greeting which will become his custom in the rest of his letters, “May God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.” (Gal.1:2 nlt) After his initial greetings Paul jumps right into the gospel message stating Jesus gave up His life voluntarily according to Father’s plan to save us from our sins.

The Galatian churches started well but it wasn’t long before Paul had heard how quickly the Judaizers were persuading them to turn away from the true gospel. The gospel of Jesus Christ is Good News as Paul preached. What the people in Galatia were now being taught in Paul’s absence, Paul says, “is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ.” (Gal.1:7 nlt) The Judaizers were deliberately twisting or perverting the gospel by adding traditions of the law to it. Part of what was taught was a Christian needed to be circumcised in the Jewish tradition. They reasoned Jesus was a Jew and Christianity has its root in the Jewish religion of the Old Testament. This distorts the simple message of belief in Jesus by faith as all that is needed. Jesus Himself said to Nicodemus, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn.3:16 nlt) Jesus did not say anything else needed to be added, including good works to earn your way to heaven. No, only simple faith in Christ as your savior is all that is required.

This was such a serious issue for the churches in Galatia and for churches today in 2026 that Paul boldly states with authority, “Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you.” (Gal.1:8 nlt) There is no other gospel. There is no other way. So many churches today are falling into the trap the early church fell into. People feel there needs to be something else, or good works to get them to heaven. Some are beginning to as we say ‘coexist’ and accept all religions as a way to get to heaven. You have heard it said, ‘all roads lead to heaven.’ Well, what does Paul, who was appointed by Jesus as an apostle say? “I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed.” (Gal.1:9 nlt)

Stone church marked “ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΓΑΛΑΤΑΣ” amid rolling hills and trees

This is serious business. If you believe the Bible is God’s Word you cannot possibly accept any other form of salvation. If you deny any part of the Bible referring to salvation or you add something, such as good deeds, or aligning with other religions of the world you are as Paul says of those who preach such things, ‘let that person be cursed.’ The word ‘cursed’ actually means ‘doomed to destruction.’ This all sounds frightening and it should, but beneath it all is the Good News Paul preaches about the love of God who sent His Son for us. Jesus Christ  provided the way for us, the only way.

Next week Paul explains his call to apostleship………