"I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked,
And I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible."

~Jeremiah 15:21 (NKJV)

This morning, as I watch the fifth day of devastation and utter chaos in the hurricane torn south, my heart aches. The Spirit has blessed me with a compassion that seems to have no end. But, even in this, as I pray for the people in the south who are suffering. As I urge you to donate to a reputable relief organization, Jeremiah rings in my mind.

God will redeem these suffering people from the grip of the most terrible. Please allow the Spirit to work through you for God's purpose.

"Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them:
if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;
or ministry, let us use it in our ministering;
he who teaches, in teaching;
he who exhorts, in exhortation;
he who gives, with liberality;
he who leads, with diligence;
he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness."

~Romans 12:6-8 (NKJV)

Do whatever you can do to ease the suffering. Don't turn a blind eye. Don't get involved in the blame game of who is responsible for why things aren't going according to what you think they should go. Don't waste your time. Don't waste your energy. Don't let the evil one distract you from the important work that uses your precious gifts.

For your convenience, here is a short list of charities that need your help for these souls in the south:

UMCOR - While this is a denominationally related charity, it is my first choice for giving because 100% of the donations are given to disaster relief efforts.

Salvation Army

American Red Cross

Operation Blessing International

Dei gratia,

Dee