The full-length film "Introducing Freedom Valley Tulsa" is up on my facebook page now.
It's a 15 minute story of God calling multiple generations and multiple people to Tulsa, Oklahoma to connect with the hundreds of thousands who currently do not go to church.
Please take a few minutes and check it out. If you're interested in partnering with our church, either financially or in prayer, please let me know and I'll send you a partnership card and a DVD of the film!
You can see the movie here
Monday, November 30, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
somber day
It's hard to believe that I'm sitting in my office here at Freedom Valley York Rd after so many years and all I managed to pack up is 6 small boxes. Well, I've never been much of a pack rat.
In just about a week, our family will be rolling into Tulsa and unloading our stuff into our new home. It's seemed so far away for so long, I can hardly believe it's so close now.
I feel really somber today. These past few weeks has been a time of "last" or "last for a long time" events and the time is so near to actually go. I wondered, last night, why church planters never talk or write about what a heart-wrenching process it is for a family and their extended family and friends to part ways as they venture out across the country to plant the church God has called them to. All they ever say is, "In (insert the month and year) we moved to (insert city name)."
Let this church planter tell you right now, it's a whole lot more than that. My heart is heavy today for a lot of reasons, but my spirit is still jumping for what's in store.
In just about a week, our family will be rolling into Tulsa and unloading our stuff into our new home. It's seemed so far away for so long, I can hardly believe it's so close now.
I feel really somber today. These past few weeks has been a time of "last" or "last for a long time" events and the time is so near to actually go. I wondered, last night, why church planters never talk or write about what a heart-wrenching process it is for a family and their extended family and friends to part ways as they venture out across the country to plant the church God has called them to. All they ever say is, "In (insert the month and year) we moved to (insert city name)."
Let this church planter tell you right now, it's a whole lot more than that. My heart is heavy today for a lot of reasons, but my spirit is still jumping for what's in store.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Gerry Stoltzfoos
I'm not the guy who keeps up with everyone's birthday, but I heard it was Gerry Stoltzfoos' birthday today!
Gerry, you have been a mentor to me like no one else and I think that is probably going to only increase in the years to come. You gently and patiently wait for me to figure out that many of my greatest ideas are . . . well, silly. But you let me learn it on my own. You bless me and empower me like no one else I know. Thank you so much.
Happy Birthday to my pastor, mentor and friend!
Gerry, you have been a mentor to me like no one else and I think that is probably going to only increase in the years to come. You gently and patiently wait for me to figure out that many of my greatest ideas are . . . well, silly. But you let me learn it on my own. You bless me and empower me like no one else I know. Thank you so much.
Happy Birthday to my pastor, mentor and friend!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
patient teaching
2 Timothy 2:23 - 26 - Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
Wow, does this ever teach me leadership! Be patient with difficult people and perhaps God will change their hearts? Wow. I thank God that I've seen this in action for so many years from my pastor, Gerry Stoltzfoos. I also thank God for teaching me so gently and patiently through His Word.
Wow, does this ever teach me leadership! Be patient with difficult people and perhaps God will change their hearts? Wow. I thank God that I've seen this in action for so many years from my pastor, Gerry Stoltzfoos. I also thank God for teaching me so gently and patiently through His Word.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
I'm speaking this morning about the fear of the Lord using the passage from Acts 5:1-11 as a warning for us to make sure we do fear the Lord. I just came across this one this morning. Look at all the blessings attached to the fearing the Lord! Notice in vs. 7-8 that the fear of the Lord pushes fear of other things out of our lives!
Psalm 112
1 Praise the Lord!
Psalm 112
1 Praise the Lord!
How joyful are those who fear the Lord
and delight in obeying his commands.
2 Their children will be successful everywhere;
an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.
3 They themselves will be wealthy,
and their good deeds will last forever.
4 Light shines in the darkness for the godly.
They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
5 Good comes to those who lend money generously
and conduct their business fairly.
6 Such people will not be overcome by evil.
Those who are righteous will be long remembered.
7 They do not fear bad news;
they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.
8 They are confident and fearless
and can face their foes triumphantly.
9 They share freely and give generously to those in need.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.
They will have influence and honor.
10 The wicked will see this and be infuriated.
They will grind their teeth in anger;
they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.
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