Today is my first day back to school. I have taken several classes online as a part of my graduate studies. This is the first time I have been in a physical classroom which is kind of interesting. I have to be here in Searcy for a week in what is called J-mester.
This class is entitles "Theological Foundations of Ministry" being taught by Dr. Ross Cochran. We had a good start this morning with everyone introducing themselves.
This class purported to be very practical for ministry that has held true so far.
My blog this week will be an update to what happens each day in class.
Today will end with a dinner for all the students and guests and a devotional led by Dr. Bill Richardson (not the gov. of NM).
Should be a good and tiring day.
Blessings to all,
L.T.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Friday, January 02, 2009
Who is Jesus? #127
Jesus is Lord (How do you know?)
I Corinthians 12:3
'Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.'
There seems to be many who would deny that Jesus is Lord because of circumstances in the world or the way they "feel" inside. There are others who, based on the same circumstances or evidence, would conclude just the opposite. To eliminate the confusion God gave us something (someone) very special.
Paul tells our Corinthian brothers and sisters that you can shout "Jesus is Lord" to the top of your lungs, and know that it is true, because you and I have been given the Holy Spirit who testifies to that fact.
Maybe our perception of the evidence might lead to another conclusion, but God's Spirit inside of us confirms that Jesus is Lord. Listen to the Spirit. He knows!
Thanks Father for your Spirit who lives inside us.
L.T.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Who is Jesus? #126
Jesus is Lord!
This may be the dominant theme in my blog this year as it is also the theme for our church in 2009.
I wonder if we really want Jesus to take control of our lives. Are we willing to live with Him in charge? I know how often I try to get into the drivers seat. I am willing to let Jesus be my co-pilot, but am I willing, once and for all, to let Him have the controls and hang on for the ride?
"Reign" is both a noun and and verb. He regins! He has a reign!
This is personal, now! It is not between you and me or me and anyone else. This is between Him and me.
Lord, reign in me!
L.T.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Who is Jesus? #125
This story has been around a while but it has a strong and very relevant point.
A father wanted to read a magazine but was being bothered by his little girl, Shelby. She wanted to know what the United States looked like.
Finally, he tore a sheet out of his new magazine on which was printed the map of the country. Tearing it into small pieces, he gave it to Shelby and said, 'Go into the other room and see if you can put this together. This will show you our whole country today.'After a few minutes, Shelby returned and handed him the map, correctly fitted and taped together.
The father was surprised and asked how she had finished so quickly.
'Oh,' she said, 'On the other side of the paper is a picture of Jesus. When I got all of Jesus back where He belonged, then our country just came together.'
Shelby had no idea how profound and powerful her words were. If we will just put Jesus back where He belongs, then everything else will fall into place.
This is true not just for our nation, which sorely needs this lesson, but it is also true for our families, schools, businesses, etc.
Jesus told us that He "is the way..." There are those who have seemingly spent a lifetime trying to "chop up" our Lord into a package they can finally accept. Our national leaders and those that influence them have decided that our nation is no longer "under God." Jesus is no longer "the way." Just look at us now!
If we can but take a fresh look at Jesus and put Him back in His rightful place with all the pieces accounted for then everything else will be just like He wants it.
Who is Jesus? He is one who makes everything fit and fucntion just like it was intended.
I am ready to do this one piece at a time if necessary.
Blessings,
L.T.
A father wanted to read a magazine but was being bothered by his little girl, Shelby. She wanted to know what the United States looked like.
Finally, he tore a sheet out of his new magazine on which was printed the map of the country. Tearing it into small pieces, he gave it to Shelby and said, 'Go into the other room and see if you can put this together. This will show you our whole country today.'After a few minutes, Shelby returned and handed him the map, correctly fitted and taped together.
The father was surprised and asked how she had finished so quickly.
'Oh,' she said, 'On the other side of the paper is a picture of Jesus. When I got all of Jesus back where He belonged, then our country just came together.'
Shelby had no idea how profound and powerful her words were. If we will just put Jesus back where He belongs, then everything else will fall into place.
This is true not just for our nation, which sorely needs this lesson, but it is also true for our families, schools, businesses, etc.
Jesus told us that He "is the way..." There are those who have seemingly spent a lifetime trying to "chop up" our Lord into a package they can finally accept. Our national leaders and those that influence them have decided that our nation is no longer "under God." Jesus is no longer "the way." Just look at us now!
If we can but take a fresh look at Jesus and put Him back in His rightful place with all the pieces accounted for then everything else will be just like He wants it.
Who is Jesus? He is one who makes everything fit and fucntion just like it was intended.
I am ready to do this one piece at a time if necessary.
Blessings,
L.T.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Welcome, Claira!
Claira Susan Tittle was born on April 21, 2008 at 3:33 P.M. (CST) in Searcy, AR to my son Brandon and his wife Joy. This was their first. Claira came in at 8lbs 7oz. She was 21 1/4 inches long.
My wife and I did not make it to the hospital from NM before Claira was born as her mom had a speedy and relatively easy delivery.
Mom and baby are dong great and we brought them home today from the hospital after a one night stay.
This makes grand baby number four with two girls and two boys. As far as we know there are no more on the way.
At this point I plan on returning home on Monday, April 28, while my wife will make up her mind later when she will come back to NM.
This will be a great experience as we will get to be together with Joy's parents for several days.
We are very thankful for the successful delivery of a very healthy baby and praise God for His goodness.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
MDA Lock-up
Well that was an interesting and not so terrifying experience. I had been "tagged" to raise $1,000 for MDA or be thrown in the MDA jail until I did. Of course I tried to raise the money before jail day, but was unable even though I made several appeals to family and friends.
However, the experience convinced me that I would like to do it again next year. I think I can do better.
My connection with MDA, or at least this lock-up, was quite by accident and random because someone submitted my name to be locked up.
However, I have another connection that goes back to my dad. He suffered from what is commonly known as Lou Gehrig disease or you will see it abbreviated ALS. This is one of the diseases that MDA furnishes research funds for.
There is no cure but they have been able to sustain patients' lives and quality of life for longer than was available when my dad had the disease.
I don't know the technical explanation, but ALS moves up the spinal cord and destroys muscles until finally the patient succumbs. For my dad it was about a year from diagnosis until his death in 1961.
At one time in my life I thought I wanted to be a doctor and somehow do something about this debilitating condition.
For now, I will try to raise money every year for MDA.
However, the experience convinced me that I would like to do it again next year. I think I can do better.
My connection with MDA, or at least this lock-up, was quite by accident and random because someone submitted my name to be locked up.
However, I have another connection that goes back to my dad. He suffered from what is commonly known as Lou Gehrig disease or you will see it abbreviated ALS. This is one of the diseases that MDA furnishes research funds for.
There is no cure but they have been able to sustain patients' lives and quality of life for longer than was available when my dad had the disease.
I don't know the technical explanation, but ALS moves up the spinal cord and destroys muscles until finally the patient succumbs. For my dad it was about a year from diagnosis until his death in 1961.
At one time in my life I thought I wanted to be a doctor and somehow do something about this debilitating condition.
For now, I will try to raise money every year for MDA.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Who is Jesus? #124
I guess all good things must come to an end. No, I am not halting my blogging and I am not changing the subject.
I am just going to move away from the book of Revelation, though I reserve the right to come back any time, and take thoughts from other areas of the New Testament.
The journey through the first chapter in Revelation has been a revealing one as we tried to answer the question, "Who is Jesus?"
John gave as comprehensive a description as is possible. I still wonder if we lose something by having to read it in words rather than seeing it as John did in his glorious vision.
More to come.
I am just going to move away from the book of Revelation, though I reserve the right to come back any time, and take thoughts from other areas of the New Testament.
The journey through the first chapter in Revelation has been a revealing one as we tried to answer the question, "Who is Jesus?"
John gave as comprehensive a description as is possible. I still wonder if we lose something by having to read it in words rather than seeing it as John did in his glorious vision.
More to come.
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