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But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze. -- Isaiah 43: 1-2

Yesterday, it was a great blessing to be with friends in Pittsburgh at Allegheny Center CMA, some pics are posted at Trip to/from Cedar Campus). During our time together Ernie Frederick, a IVCF-Pitt alum from the 1950s who received his call to ministry while at Cedar Campus (the conference site from which our family was just returning after a week encouraging/equiping faculty), led a time of prayer for our family and ministry.  The time of prayer capped off a day of great encouragement with regard to the faithfulness and provision of God.   In addition, we were reminded that the People of God are one of the most tangible expressions/incarnation of the Father's gracious care.

While having breakfast with some friends this morning, I shared Ernie's booklet Praying with HOPE for the SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION of YOUR COMMUNITY: Praying God's Kingdom Culture into Your Community.  At the close of our conversation we prayed for the Spirit of God to dwell in the Etown Diner, for the Etown Diner to flourish, to be a place in which friendships are built, nourishing food is provided, and conversations give glory to God.

AND for the Spirit of God to go before us in our family, neighborhoods, and workplace that the opportunity for blessing others might be given to us as we reproduce the likeness of Jesus. AND for the Presence of God to be with His people across the world as they boldly live out and articulate the Gospel message where they have been placed by the providence of God. While leaving the table, we began to discuss the followers of Christ in Iran/Iraq and their faithfulness over the generations in a difficult cultural context. I left with a heart to intercede for God's Presence and provision to not only be in our lives, but hard to miss during their day.

Please join me in welcoming the Presence and Working of God the Father in our world, community, God the Son in the restuarants and homes of our world and community, God the Spirit in the banks, health clinics, institutions of public service in our world and community that His love, joy, peace, wisdom, and care to all might be known.