Pedaling For The Less Privileged
Amashova 08 - My First
On 18 Oct 2009, just a couple months away, I will be riding in a bicycle race, Amashova National Classic Durban, but I am riding for more than just the exercise. I need the exercise, to be sure, but it seems a little self-centered to ride only for my physical well being, especially since I live in the presence of hundreds of thousands who have so little and need so much. Therefore, I am adding another dimension to this event, orphans. I decided to use the occasion to raise awareness of the problem in general and to promote one project in particular, The South African Children’s Resiliency Project.
The SACRP (locally known as CRP) is spear headed by a good friend and colleague of mine, Dr. Bob Graham. I first met Bob in 1990 and since that time he has made numerous trips to South Africa and worked with us on many short term projects. Bob, however, doesn’t do things in a small way. His vision and dream involved helping the underprivileged on a long term basis and, therefore, the CRP was born. Bob is now living in South Africa developing orphan homes for those affected by AIDS.
Did Jesus Heal To Show His Power Or Be Helpful?
Filed under: Charity, Evangelism, How To Help, Ministry Methods of Jesus, Philosophy
Jesus performed thousands of miracles. He was constantly healing endless numbers of people. Some He raised from the dead.
He was sensitive to the needy and never avoided or resisted an opportunity to give His support. He even responded to basic human needs that were far from life threatening. He fed thousands who were neither poor nor malnourished on at least two occasions, possibly more. John did say Jesus performed many other miracles that were not reported.
But, the questions are:
- Was Jesus being helpful or miraculous?
- Was He being supportive or sensational?
- Was He demonstrating usefulness or power?
These are important questions. They establish motive and we can never qualify as “followers” of Jesus if we don’t understand and adopt His motives.
Without “Good Deeds” You Are Barren
Of the nine fruits of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23, “Goodness” is sixth on the list and the list is quite impressive. You could say it is the “what’s what” for character qualifies. It includes love, faithfulness and self-control to mention just a few. Despite the association, however, Christians do not discuss in detail or demonstrate often the quality of goodness as Jesus exhibited it. Christians, particularly of the fundamental version, are very concerned about being right but have little interest in being good. Read more
The Difference Between “Being” and “Doing” Good
From the minute we are born we are told what is good, shown how to perform it, commanded to live it and disciplined if we don’t. Consequently each of us grows up with a sense of what is good and, more importantly, how we measure up. Usually our self-assessment is heavily influenced by several factors: Read more
Why You Should Donate Blood Plasma
I have occasionally donated blood in the past few years and after my last extraction, toward the end of 2008, the blood bank discovered that I had recently endured a case of shingles. They called me right away, spoke very kindly to me and almost begged me to donate plasma. They needed my shingles antibodies and giving plasma was the way to share them.
Always one to help, I agreed. I started with a bit of apprehension but soon learned there was nothing to be afraid of. Since my first draw I have donated plasma several times and learned quite a bit about this very valuable substance and the many life saving or enhancing things it is used to do. Read more
Tim Pepper - Beautiful Frustration