PSK 102. DWELLING IN HIS STRENGTH – The Believers’ Journey from Spiritual Warfare to Sacred Rest.
βοΈπ¦ πππβ€βπ₯
Ephesians 6: 10-20 and Psalm 84.
πΉ Welcome to Sunday, the *_24th day of AUGUST 2025._* This is OUR MONTH OF DIVINE VISITATION and *great beginnings!*
Today, We shall receive our *GOOD NEWS* through our divine act of *_DWELLING IN DIVINE STRENGTH!_* Papa in Heaven provides us with another opportunity to get our victory through the assurance that *We are on our Journey to Success.*
The touch of His Goodness in this *_2nd Half of the Year 2025_* will ultimately restore us, saving us from further losses, insolvency, tribulations, stress and failures, in Jesusβ Name! β
β€βπ₯ππ₯ Let Us Worship God with Charles Wesleyβs *_MHB. 484 β Soldiers of Christ, Arise!_* π¦ π
This *_METHODIST HYMN: MHB. 484 – ” Soldiers of Christ Arise,”_* was written by *Charles Wesley* (1707-1788). It was first published as part of *_“The Whole Armor of God”_* in 1742 in a tract, with its first hymnal appearance in 1749 in Hymns and Sacred Poems. The hymn has been set to several tunes, with the tune “Diademata” by George J. Elvey (1816-1893) and the tune “From Strength to Strength” by Edward W. Naylor (1867-1934) being notable examples.
1: SOLDIERS of Christ, arise,
And put your armour on,
Strong in the strength which God supplies,
Through his eternal Son; strong in the Lord of Hosts,
And in his mighty power:
who in the strength of Jesus trusts
Is more than conqueror.
2: Stand then in His great might,
with all His strength endued;
And take, to arm you for the fight,
The panoply of God. that, having all things done,
And all your conflicts past,
Ye may oβercome, through Christ alone,
And stand entire at last.
3: Stand then against your foes,
In close and firm array;
Legions of wily fiends oppose
Throughout the evil day:
But meet the sons of night;
But mock their vain design,
Armed in the arms of heavenly light,
Of righteousness divine.
4: Leave no unguarded place,
No weakness of the soul;
Take every virtue, every grace,
And fortify the whole:
Indissolubly joined,
To battle – all proceed;
But arm yourselves with all the mind
That was in Christ, your Head.
– Charles Wesley (1707-1788).
With Faith, let us join ourβ¦
*SEVEN FOUNDATIONAL PREVAILING PRAYERS*
β€οΈβπ₯ *PRAYER 1 – ILLUMINATE OUR DIVINE UNDERSTANDING* πβ¨
*Linking Anecdote:* When seekers look up to the Almighty God for divine clarity in direction, He drops a Bible verse in the Christlike mind, and mysteries eventually turn into manifestation after the believers pray in faith.
*Link Verse:* _“that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him” –_ Ephesians 1:17.
*Prayer: _By the power of the Holy Spirit, open our eyes to see Your divine purposes in this generation, in Jesus’ Name._*
β€οΈβπ₯ *PRAYER 2 – STRENGTHEN US FOR SPIRITUAL BATTLE* πβ¨
*Linking Anecdote:* A young soldier discovered that physical training meant nothing without proper equipment. Similarly, believers face spiritual enemies that require divine armour, not human wisdom or strength alone.
*Link Verse:* _“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” –_ Ephesians 6:10.
*Prayer: _Lord, clothe us with Your invincible strength that we may stand firm against every spiritual assault, in Jesus’ Name._*
β€οΈβπ₯ *PRAYER 3 – IGNITE HOLY LONGING WITHIN US* πβ¨
*Linking Anecdote:* A lost traveller in the desert dreams of cool springs and shade. The believer’s soul, though blessed, perpetually thirsts for deeper communion with the living God.
*Link Verse:* _“My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God” –_ Psalm 84:2.
*Prayer: _Father, create within us an insatiable hunger for Your presence that drives us to seek You daily, in Jesus’ Name._*
β€οΈβπ₯ *PRAYER 4 – EQUIP US WITH DIVINE ARMOUR* πβ¨
*Linking Anecdote:* Ancient warriors knew that entering a battle without proper armour meant inevitable defeat. Today’s Christians face an invisible enemy requiring spiritual equipment that only Heaven provides.
*Link Verse:* _“Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” –_ Ephesians 6:11.
*Prayer: _Almighty God, array us in Your complete spiritual armour that we may victoriously withstand every demonic strategy, in Jesus’ Name._*
β€οΈβπ₯ *PRAYER 5 – TRANSFORM OUR DWELLINGS INTO SANCTUARIES* πβ¨
*Linking Anecdote:* A missionary discovered that even a grass hut became a cathedral when filled with sincere worship. God transforms any space into His sacred dwelling when hearts genuinely seek Him.
*Link Verse:* _“Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they will still be praising You” –_ Psalm 84:4.
*Prayer: _Lord, make our homes, churches, and hearts dwelling places where Your glory abides continually, in Jesus’ Name._*
β€οΈβπ₯ *PRAYER 6 – GRANT US UNWAVERING SPIRITUAL STRENGTH* πβ¨
*Linking Anecdote:* Mountain climbers know that reaching the summit requires strength that increases with each step upward. Believers find that trusting God’s strength multiplies their capacity for spiritual victories.
*Link Verse:* _“Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage” –_ Psalm 84:5.
*Prayer: _Heavenly Father, let our strength be rooted in You alone, that we may journey victoriously through every season, in Jesus’ Name._* β€οΈ πβ¨
β€οΈβπ₯ *PRAYER 7 – ESTABLISH US IN DIVINE VICTORY* πβ¨
*Linking Anecdote:* A general celebrating victory knows that triumph belongs not to superior strategy alone, but to the One who governs all battles. Our victories come from the Lord of Hosts who fights on our behalf.
*Link Verse:* _“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly” –_ Psalm 84:11.
*Prayer: _Lord of Hosts, crown our efforts with Your divine victory and withhold no good thing from us as we walk in righteousness, in Jesus’ Name._*
* * *
β€βπ₯π *EXHORTATION- _DWELLING IN HIS STRENGTH: The Believersβ Journey from Spiritual Warfare to Sacred Rest._* π¦ π
*INTRODUCTION*
Beloved congregation of the Almighty God, what a glorious day the LORD has made for us to rejoice and be glad! Today, we embark upon a spiritual expedition that will transform how we understand our relationship with God, Most High. We shall discover the magnificent truth about *_DWELLING IN HIS STRENGTH: The Believersβ Journey From Spiritual Warfare to Sacred Rest._*.
In a world where human strength fails, earthly securities crumble, and the storms of life threaten to overwhelm us, God calls us to a higher placeβan abode of divine presence where His strength becomes our strength, His power becomes our power, and His victory becomes our victory.
Today, our text from Psalm 84:5 declares: *_“Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage.”_* This is not merely a beautiful verse to memorise; it is a divine invitation to experience a supernatural lifestyle where God’s strength becomes the foundation of our existence, no matter how gullible the undiscerning world thinks we are.
*I. THE BLESSED FOUNDATION: “Blessed is the man whose strength is in You”*
*_The Hebrew Understanding of Blessing_*
When the Psalmist declares *“blessed,”* he uses the Hebrew word *‘ashrei’,* which speaks of genuine happiness, deep contentment, and divine favour that flows from right relationship with God. This blessing is not circumstantial; it is foundational.
*_Where Do You Find Your Strength?_*
Every believer must answer the critical question *_“Where is your strength?”_* Is it in your education? Your connections? Your bank account? Your abilities? The blessed person – the genuinely happy and divinely favoured individual – has deliberately chosen their strength from God alone.
*The Contrast of Human Versus Divine Strength*
Human strength is limited, temporary, and subject to failure. Divine strength is unlimited, eternal, and guaranteed by God’s character. When we place our strength in God, we tap into the same power that:
– Created the universe from nothing
– Parted the Red Sea for Israel
– Raised Jesus Christ from the dead
– Transforms hearts and changes lives today
*Practical Application:* Every morning, before you face the day’s challenges, declare: *_“My strength is not in myself, but in the Lord God Almighty. He is my portion and my power.”_*
π₯ π¦ *II. THE PILGRIM’S HEART: “WHOSE HEART IS SET ON PILGRIMAGE”*
*Understanding the Pilgrim Mentality*
The phrase *_“set on pilgrimage”_* in Hebrew suggests a heart that is focused, determined, and moving towards a divine destination. A pilgrim is not a wanderer; a pilgrim is a purposeful traveller with a specific destination in mind.
*The Journey Mindset*
Those whose strength is in God understand that life is a journey, not a destination. We are not home yet; we are travelling towards our eternal home with God. This understanding changes everything:
– Our trials become temporary inconveniences, not permanent problems
– Our victories become stepping stones, not final destinations
– Our focus shifts from earthly accumulation to heavenly preparation
– Our perspective transforms from temporal to eternal
*The Upward Call*
A pilgrim’s heart is constantly drawn upward. Just as metal filings are drawn to a magnet, the believer’s heart is magnetically attracted to God. This is not mere religious sentiment; it is a supernatural orientation that comes from dwelling in His strength.
*Practical Application:* Regularly ask yourself: *_“Am I living like a pilgrim passing through, or like a permanent resident of this world?”_* Let your answer guide your priorities, investments, and daily decisions.
π₯ π¦ *III. THE DIVINE DWELLING PLACE: LIVING IN GOD’S HOUSE*
*Beyond Physical Location*
Psalm 84:1 declares: *_“How lovely is Your tabernacle, O Lord of hosts!”_* The Psalmist is not merely admiring architecture; he is expressing deep longing for God’s presence. In the New Testament era, we understand that believers themselves have become God’s dwelling place.
*The Privilege of Divine Residence*
1 Corinthians 6:19 reminds us: *_“Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God?”_* When we dwell in His strength, we simultaneously become His dwelling place. This creates a beautiful reciprocal relationship:
– We dwell in Him for strength, protection, and guidance
– He dwells in us for expression, ministry, and testimony
*The Atmosphere of His Presence*
Those who dwell in God’s strength carry a different atmosphere. Like the priests who emerged from God’s presence with faces shining, believers who truly dwell in His strength emanate:
– Supernatural peace in chaotic situations
– Unexplainable joy despite circumstances
– Divine wisdom in complex decisions
– Supernatural love for difficult people.
π₯ π¦ *IV. THE WARFARE DIMENSION: STANDING STRONG IN BATTLE*
*Our Real Enemy*
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us: *_“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”_*
When we dwell in God’s strength, we recognise that our battles are not primarily with people, circumstances, or even our own limitations. Our battle is against spiritual forces that seek to:
– Steal our faith
– Kill our dreams
– Destroy our testimonies
– Prevent our spiritual progress
*The Divine Arsenal*
Those whose strength is in God have access to weapons that are *“not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds”* (2 Corinthians 10:4). These include:
– *_The Belt of Truth:_* Living in absolute honesty before God and others
– *_The Breastplate of Righteousness:_* Walking in right relationship with God
– *_Feet Shod with the Gospel of Peace:_* Being ready to share God’s good news without creating discord.
– *_The Shield of Faith:_* Trusting God’s promises despite circumstances.
– *_The Helmet of Salvation:_* Protecting our minds with assurance of God’s grace.
– *_The Sword of the Spirit:_* Using God’s Word as our offensive and defensive weapon.
*Victory Assured*
When we fight from the position of dwelling in God’s strength, victory is not uncertainβit is guaranteed. We fight not for victory, but from victory which Christ has already secured.
π₯ π¦ *V. THE TRANSFORMATION JOURNEY: FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH*
*Progressive Spiritual Development*
Psalm 84:7 declares: *_“They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.”_* This is not a one-time experience but a continuous journey of spiritual development.
*The Valley of Baca Experience*
Verse 6 mentions: *_“As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a spring; the rain also covers it with pools.”_* The Valley of Baca means *_“the valley of weeping.”_* Everyone faces seasons of difficulty, but those whose strength is in God transform their valleys of weeping into springs of blessing.
π₯ π¦ *How Transformation Occurs:*
1. *_Through Worship in Difficulty:_* Instead of complaining, we praise
2. *_Through Trust in God’s Process:_* Understanding that God uses everything for our good
3. *_Through Service Despite Pain:_* Helping others even while we’re healing
4. *_Through Persistent Prayer:_* Maintaining communication with God through all seasons
π₯ π¦ *The Multiplication Effect*
As we grow from strength to strength, we become sources of strength for others. Like Joseph, who went from pit to palace and then used his position to preserve nations during famine, God raises us up not just for our own benefit, but to be channels of His strength to a hurting world.
*Practical Application:* Keep a spiritual journal documenting how God has brought you “from strength to strength.” This becomes a memorial of His faithfulness and a source of encouragement during future challenges.
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π₯ π¦ *CONTEMPORARY APPLICATION: DWELLING IN HIS STRENGTH TODAY*
π₯ π¦ *In Our Families*
When we dwell in God’s strength, our homes become:
– Sanctuaries of peace in a chaotic world
– Training grounds for the next generation
– Launching pads for Kingdom ministry
– Testimonies of God’s faithfulness
*Prayer for Families: _“Lord, let my household be a dwelling place of Your strength, where every member experiences Your presence and power daily, in Jesus’ Name.”_*
π₯ π¦ *In Our Workplaces*
Believers whose strength is in God approach work differently:
– Excellence becomes a form of worship
– Integrity becomes non-negotiable
– Challenges become opportunities to demonstrate God’s wisdom
– Colleagues become mission fields
*Workplace Declaration: _“I carry God’s strength into my workplace. I am His ambassador, His representative, and His vessel for blessing others.”_*
π₯ π¦ *In Our Communities*
Those dwelling in divine strength become:
– Agents of positive transformation
– Sources of hope for the hopeless
– Bridges between God and humanity
– Lights shining in dark places
π₯ π¦ *In Times of Crisis*
When storms comeβand they will comeβthose whose strength is in God:
– Remain anchored while others are tossed about
– Offer supernatural comfort to the afflicted
– Demonstrate faith that inspires others
– Become living testimonies of God’s faithfulness
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π₯ π¦ *THE PROPHETIC WORD FOR THIS SEASON*
Thus says the Lord to His Church in this hour:
*”My beloved ones, I am calling you from shallow places to deep places, from temporary securities to eternal foundations. This is your season to discover what it truly means to dwell in My strength.*
*βI am removing every false support so that you will learn to lean completely on Me. What appears as loss is actually preparation for greater gain. What feels like weakness is the gateway to experiencing My supernatural power.*
*βYour pilgrim journey is not random wanderingβit is purposeful advancement toward your divine destiny. Every valley you walk through is being transformed into a spring. Every mountain you climb is making you stronger for the next level.*
*βArise, My warriors! Put on My armour! The battles ahead require My strength, not yours. But know this: you are not fighting for victoryβyou are fighting from victory that I have already secured.*
*βThis second half of 2025 marks a turning point. Losses are being reversed. Failures are being transformed into foundations for future success. What the enemy meant for destruction, I am converting into divine visitation.*
*βDwell in My strength, and watch Me dwell in you with unprecedented power!”*
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π₯ π¦ *PRACTICAL STEPS TO DWELLING IN HIS STRENGTH*
π₯ π¦ *Daily Practices*
1. *_Morning Declaration:_* Begin each day by declaring your dependence on God’s strength.
2. *_Scripture Meditation:_* Hide God’s Word in your heart as your source of strength.
3. *_Worship in Difficulty:_* Train yourself to praise God especially when things are challenging
4. *_Evening Reflection:_* End each day acknowledging how God’s strength carried you through
π₯ π¦ *Weekly Commitments*
1. *_Corporate Worship:_* Gather with other believers who share the pilgrim journey
2. *_Bible Study:_* Deep dive into God’s Word with others seeking His strength
3. *_Service Opportunities:_* Use God’s strength to serve others in practical ways
4. *_Testimony Sharing:_* Tell others how God’s strength is working in your life.
π₯ π¦ *Monthly Reviews*
1. *_Spiritual Inventory:_* Assess where you’re finding strength versus where you should find it
2. *_Prayer Focus:_* Identify specific areas where you need to rely more on God’s strength
3. *_Goal Adjustment:* Align your objectives with your pilgrim journey toward God
4. *_Relationship Evaluation:_* Surround yourself with others who encourage your spiritual pilgrimage
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π₯ π¦ *REMEMBER: JESUS IS THE FINAL WORD!*
Dearly Beloved, as we conclude this powerful encounter with God’s Word, I challenge you to make a quality decision today. Will you continue seeking strength in the failing systems of this world, or will you anchor your life in the unchanging strength of Almighty God?
π₯ π¦ *The Choice Before You*
Today, you stand at a crossroads. One path leads to continued frustration as you rely on human wisdom, earthly resources, and temporary solutions. The other path leads to supernatural empowerment as you learn to dwell in God’s infinite strength.
π₯ π¦ *The Cost of Discipleship*
Choosing to dwell in God’s strength requires abandoning every false confidence. It means:
– Releasing control and trusting God’s sovereignty
– Embracing the pilgrim journey even when others settle for less
– Standing firm in spiritual warfare when others compromise
– Walking by faith when sight suggests otherwise
π₯ π¦ *The Reward of Faithfulness*
But oh, the rewards that await those who make this choice! You will discover:
– Peace that surpasses human understanding
– Joy that remains despite circumstances
– Strength that increases under pressure
– Victory in situations others call impossible
– Purpose that transcends earthly ambitions
– A testimony that glorifies God and blesses others.
π₯ π¦ *Your Personal Invitation*
God is extending a personal invitation to you today. He is saying: *“Come, dwell in My strength. Let My power become your power. Let My victory become your victory. Set your heart on pilgrimage toward Me, and I will transform every valley of weeping into springs of refreshing.”*
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π₯ π¦ *ALTAR CALL*
If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, today is your day of salvation. You cannot dwell in God’s strength without first dwelling in His family. Come forward now and make that decision.
If you are a believer but you recognise that you’ve been relying on everything except God’s strength, come forward for rededication. Let today mark the beginning of a new chapter in your spiritual journey.
If you need prayer for specific battles you’re facing, come forward. We will stand with you in the strength of the Lord.
π₯ π¦ *Prayer for Salvation:*
*“Lord Jesus Christ, I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of Your salvation. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again for my justification. I invite You to be the Lord of my life. From this day forward, let my strength be in You alone. Make me a pilgrim whose heart is set on the journey toward You. In Your precious Name I pray, Amen.”*
π₯ π¦ *Prayer for Rededication:*
- *_“Heavenly Father, I confess that I have been seeking strength in wrong places. Today I choose to anchor my life completely in Your strength. Remove every false confidence and make me totally dependent on You. Set my heart on pilgrimage toward Your eternal kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”_* π₯ π¦
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π₯ π¦ *FINAL BLESSING*
π₯ π¦ *May the Lord bless you and keep you as you dwell in His strength.*
π₯ π¦ *May His face shine upon you as you set your heart on pilgrimage toward Him.*
π₯ π¦ *May He lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace that transcends every circumstance.*
π₯ π¦ *May you go from strength to strength, transforming every valley of weeping into springs of blessing.*
π₯ π¦ *May the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.*
π₯ π¦ *And may the power of the risen Christ, the love of the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all, now and forevermore.*
π₯ π¦ *Go forth in His strength! You are more than conquerors through Him who loves you!*
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π₯ π¦ CLOSING HYMN SUGGESTION
*“Will Your Anchor Hold,”* or *“Be Thou My Vision”*
π₯ π¦ *BENEDICTION*
*_May our discourse resonate in hearts, transform minds, and inspire covenant faithfulness in our generation and beyond, in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit._*
*AMEN.*
*“Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.”* – Jude 24-25
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πΉ Remember: This is OUR MONTH OF DIVINE VISITATION! *Walk in His strength, dwell in His presence, and watch Him transform every area of your life for His glory!* β
To manifest our miracles, following the Exhortation, let us avail ourselves of these:
π₯ π¦ *SEVEN INTERCESSORY PRAYERS FOR MANIFESTATION* β€βπ₯
β€βπ₯ *PRAYER 8 – REVELATION BREAKTHROUGH* πβ¨
Father, break every spiritual blindness hindering our understanding of Your Word today, in Jesus’ Name. πβ¨
β€βπ₯ *PRAYER 9 – STRENGTH IMPARTATION* πβ¨
Lord, flood our spirits with supernatural strength that overcomes every weakness and fear, in Jesus’ Name. πβ¨
β€βπ₯ *PRAYER 10 – HOLY HUNGER ACTIVATION* πβ¨
God, set our hearts ablaze with passionate desire for deeper fellowship with You, in Jesus’ Name. πβ¨
β€βπ₯ *PRAYER 11 – ARMOUR ACTIVATION* πβ¨
Almighty God, activate every piece of spiritual armour upon our lives right now, in Jesus’ Name. πβ¨
β€βπ₯ *PRAYER 12 – SANCTUARY ESTABLISHMENT* πβ¨
Holy Spirit, establish Your dwelling place within every heart gathered here today, in Jesus’ Name. πβ¨
β€βπ₯ *PRAYER 13 – PILGRIMAGE STRENGTH IMPARTATION* πβ¨
*Father, impart divine strength for every spiritual journey and challenge ahead, in Jesus’ Name.* πβ¨
βπ₯ *PRAYER 14 – INTERCESSORY ANOINTING RELEASE* πβ¨
*Lord, release fresh intercessory anointing upon us to pray with supernatural effectiveness, in Jesus’ Name.* πβ¨
π₯ π¦ π€β¨
*May this service bring:*
– *_Glory_* to God’s Name,
– *_Victory_* to every listener, reader, and worshipper of God,
– *_Revival_* to our congregation,
– *_Restoration of Peace_* to the confused and hurting souls,
– *_Sanctification_* to the hearts polluted by logic and hideous satanic infiltrations,
– *_Deliverance_* to souls that have slipped through reprobate minds against God through satan-induced liberation struggles that rebel against God.
– *_Testimonies_* that echo through eternity, in Jesusβ Name!
That is our *GOOD NEWS!* π
*Enter to worship: Depart to serve!*
β¨ππ
*_May the Lord strengthen your faith, fill you with His divine courage, and crown you with eternal victory. Go forth with confidence, for victory is yours in Jesus’ Name!_ AMEN!* β¨ππ
βοΈ Please, follow up with God’s inspirations from our website:
www.evangelion-tm.com/
*_“Enter to Worship: Depart To Serve!”_*
β€ *JESUS IS LORD!* π₯ π¦
Believe this and be blessed by the Grace bestowed on His Own!
*AMEN.* π
Glory to GOD alone!
*Soli Deo Gloria!*
ππ¦ πππ¦ βοΈ