In Memoriam

Here's a slide show of some of the photos I compiled for Eugene's funeral.

Pics of Me & Bro

Pics of my brother Eugene and I.

In the Lion's Den (Daniel 6)

Here's the Sunday message from March 9, 2008. In the Lion's Den draws from Daniel 6:1-28 in a continuation of our series on the Biblical value of courage. Sometimes we find ourselves in the midst of troubles that seem beyond our ability to overcome. Have courage! No matter the outcome, we can find that God is bigger than our biggest problem.

A Queen's Stand

In his upcoming book Overcoming Your Shadow Mission, John Ortberg explains how each of the main players in the book of Esther faced a critical choice. Each person had to choose between a higher calling and a shadow mission - a dark, trivial or self-serving path. Xerxes lived for his image. Haman lived for an ego-driven quest for more, more, more. Mordecai and Esther had the courage to use their gifts for something greater. The bad news is that without help, all of us will eventual succumb to our shadow missions. The good news is that Jesus understands, having resisted the incredible pull of his own shadow mission.

What's your shadow mission? Who is your Mordecai?

Videos of the message and the communion presentation can be found below:
The Message
Communion

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Mephibosheth Once More

In 2 Sam 9, David shows God's kindness to Saul's last surviving relative, Jonathan's son Mephibosheth. However, it is hard to be kind when we think that there's not enough to go around. Being kind requires a Phil 4:19 belief in the abundant kindness of God. No matter what we give away, God always has more. This message was part of our monthly Kid Connection service and is designed to teach the biblical virtue of kindness to children as young as 4 and 5.

Part 1 - The Drama (in part)
Part 2 - The Message

It's Who You Know

This was the Feb 17, 2008 Sunday message in a series on "kindness." In 2 Samuel 9, David shows "God's kindness" to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son. Kindness is more than just the Golden Rule. Kindness is taking the kindness God has given us and passing that kindness onto others. Sometimes we're tempted to think we can fix the world without fixing ourselves, but showing real kindness to others hinges on allowing God to show us his kindness first. First our hearts, then the world.

Unboiling An Egg?!

This is so amazing that I'm going to have to prove it to myself. Apparently, sodium borohydride + boiled egg + 3 hours = unboiled egg. More notably, Vitamin C should work as well. I wouldn't put this mystery on the level of the Incarnation, but for the moment my wonder sensors are all alight.