I Peter 2:1-3

The news from Haiti remains grim.

President Obama has mobilized the resources of the US Government to help and is to be applauded for the swiftness and scale of the effort.

When it comes to disaster relief, politics must always be set aside and indeed, Former President's Clinton and Bush have teamed up to spearhead efforts.

Here is one list of agencies on the ground in Haiti.

Here is another list of groups working to assist Haiti.

There are many agencies doing work there and I hope you will pick one to support.

Please give to any reputable organization you trust. When people need help, we need to step up to the plate and give.

President Bush put it simply, "The most effective way for Americans to help the people of Haiti is to contribute money. That money will go to organizations on the ground and will be -- who will be able to effectively spend it. I know a lot of people want to send blankets or water -- just send your cash. One of the things that the President and I will do is to make sure your money is spent wisely."

And so now, I will go to an organization I have supported on many occasions in the past, World Vision, to donate.

Find one you want to support and please do so!

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I Peter 2:1-3 ...

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Sometimes, the Bible has complicated stuff.

Sometimes, it is as plain as day.

Don't need to over think this one, eh?

If we have truly tasted the Lord's goodness in our lives, we have no option but to make every effort to set aside the old ways and grow in the newness of life and salvation He has given us.

Pretty much everything I Peter has been saying thus far has been along these lines.

Perhaps, it will do well to re-cap the ground we have covered in 1 Peter ...

Introduction 1:1-2

Reflection on the grand scope of the new birth and salvation
1. Its future inheritance, 1:3-5
2. Its present suffering, 1:6-9
3. Its anticipation by prophets and angels, 1:10-12

Living life in the Now - Four rounds of exhortation in action/motive pattern
1. Action (prepare your minds...)
motive - God is holy, 1:13-16
2. Action (live in reverent fear...)
motive - Precious blood of Christ, 1:17-21
3. Action (love...)
motive - Born through the living and enduring word of God, 1:22-25
4. Action (rid yourselves of all malice...)
motive - Tasted the Lord's goodness, 2:1-3

Lord, please work in my heart so that I would be your hands and feet in this world. Not only help me to set aside the old ways but make me bold and willing and empowered to live in a new way of love and reverence and alertness to what you are doing. Amen.