Boasting In Him

Preach It!

chris — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:39:15 +0000

I will not be preaching this in my pulpit.

Reflecting on the NFL 2008-09 regular season

chris — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 08:22:50 +0000

I think this captures the highlight of the season:

*shakes head*

MacWorld 2009

chris — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:19:15 +0000

Ok Apple,

I’m ready to be impressed. I’m patiently awaiting for those ocular implants that you have developed and are secretly perfecting in your HQ.

Matticus. This is for you.

chris — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 04:47:13 +0000

Apparently, I have been notified that if I fail to blog on a consistent (read: once a month) basis, then I will be kicked off of Matticus’ RSS feed.

Matticus: This is to stay on your feed. What woeful entertainment I may provide, I hope this keeps me on that blasted list. But I should note that this post is addressed *NOT* at you but is merely a new post that intended to keep me on your list.

The last three months have been a whirlwind of events. I finished my last semester of The Master’s Seminary, got married to my lovely girlfriend and then took a fun 7 day cruise. The cruise was pleasant except for some of the cruise folks. Ironically, Sabrina and I are involved in two “people” driven ministries/work. She’s a kindergarten teacher and I’m a pastor. The last day of our excursion, it did not go as well, as there were some foul tempered individuals. I’ve come to the conclusion that American citizens have an overblown sense of “entitlement.” Look, let’s be honest, from a Christian perspective, all that you are entitled to is death and a death that is separated from God. Yet, because of Jesus, we have the true blessing of receiving eternal life! That’s what you’re given and not entitled! Honestly, that puts everything into perspective and that keeps the blessings a blessing and keeps us from grumbling. There’s nothing worse than a Christian grumbler. I’m exhorting us all, as Christians, let’s be reminded of the blessings of Jesus Christ and the remarkable and infinite joy we receive because of Him. Let’s all re-read Col 3:12-17. Savor it and live it.

Bush has some moves

chris — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:36:22 +0000

I woke up this morning and was confronted with this YouTube video. I laughed and I’m going to smile the rest of today.

DUCK!!!

The end of a journey

chris — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:56:00 +0000

As of 1 second ago, I am done with Seminary.

What a blessing and a joy. I’ll miss this place.

While I was Driving…

chris — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 21:01:44 +0000

Holy..Cow!

On my way back to LA, I hear over the radio (as well as through Walter Chan), a US military F-18 fighter jet crashed into a San Diego neighborhood. The news is pretty horrific, and praise the Lord the pilot ejected out. However, the area he crashed, near Cather Ave and Higgins St was about .7 miles away from where SABRINA AND I live!!!!

Egads! Praise the Lord that we aren’t there in the house. I can only hope our new apartment is okay.

What do you do…

chris — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 05:15:44 +0000

What do you do when two Starbucks workers are yelling at each other and saying some pretty spiteful things to one another?

Now, this didn’t happen in front of me, but it happened in front of Sabrina as we were getting our coffee from one of the main terminals in Toronto airport. Sabrina came walking out and whispered, “Man, that was awkward.”

So my question is, what do you do? What would I do? I think I would be too stunned to say anything. I’d just watch the drama unfold before my eyes.

See people, you don’t need reality tv shows. You got real life to keep you amused.

Last day of Preaching Labs

chris — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 02:42:58 +0000

Today was the last day of my preaching lab. It’s quite the milestone. I had the opportunity to preach in front of my esteemed professor (Dr. Montoya) and it was a thrill. I finished my New Testament consecutive series on 2 Peter 2 and concluded with 2 Peter 2:10b-22. This semester has been a huge blessing. I had to chance to preach in front of Dr. Rick Holland, Dr. Bargas, Professor Green and finally, Dr. Montoya. They’re all great godly men that have valuable insight into the trade of preaching and were so pastoral in their advice and their comments. I wish I had more time to pick their minds about the skills of preaching and to fine tune the art of preaching. I’m seriously considering going back and getting my D.Min.

Overall, the experience has been so worthwhile. I was really blessed and was put into a great group of men (10) that was really encouraging in their comments and lovingly honest in their comments that really helped me to get better in my preaching. It was awesome to see men–that had no preaching experience–grow in their oratory skills. There’s just a close bond that develops over the weeks as you hear message after message and expose yourself for comments and critiques. I would hear a message during chapel and then right after chapel I would hear a couple of message (2 or 3) every Tuesday and Thursday. In total, I heard 40 messages over the course of this semester! 40! Take into account Tuesday/Thursday Chapel, Friday Bible study, and Sunday morning and I’ve been just gourging on God’s Word.

As far as my message today, it went okay. I know I needed to improve in certain areas (especially my introductions) and it was pointed out by Dr. Montoya that I needed to find current historical examples of faithful men that have gone apostate (cf. 2 Peter 2:10-22). He said, “had you done that, that would’ve been the cherry on the top and made it an excellent sermon. It was good already, but that would’ve been the cherry on top.” I made it through the class without being “that” guy in class to receive one of his famous comments that really last till the end of time. *phew*. It was just reaffirming to receive the stamp of approval from such a respected man and preacher.

A Significant Moment in Histroy

chris — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 03:46:06 +0000

Regardles of who you voted for (McCain or Obama), tonight will be a significant moment in United States History. As of 7:35pm PST, Obama has approximately 199 Electoral Votes. He only needs 71 more votes to be offically the new president of the United States. With California still in the process of voting and counting, it is quite feasable that Obama will win.

Wow. If you truly think about that statement, “Obama will Win”, it serves a crucial and pivotal landmark in the history of our union. The first ever Africa-American president. So, even if you voted for McCain, you still have to acknowledge this significant moment in history and take time to reflect and realize that you and I are part of history.

Am I terrified of this new presidency? Not more than I was of the last one, but I think the crucial matter is to continue to pray for the leaders of the government; especially the newly elected president.

I haven’t even reached the end of my lifetime (Lord Willing) and I’ve been part of some epic moments in history. I was in NY a week before 9/11; I was witness to TWO wars. The first was against Iraq and subsequently afterwards, one on Afghanistan and then Iraq. The rise of the economy with the multitude of “dot.coms” rising and then I am now part of a significant economic recession (which I personally feel will toughen up a new generation of kids and parents). I have seen technology explode and electronics climb to almost “magical” status. I even saw the fall and rise of Apple.

This life has been precious and God has been wonderfully gracious to allow me to witness these major events. But the one event I long for, that will put all of these events to shame…The Return of Christ. Wow. Can you just imagine the utter glory that Christ will bring when He returns? While all of the events are memorable, the return of Christ is unparalleled in any event in history and is unqiue. I can only hope that I can keep that picture at the front.