The Jammer - 01.24.12

I’m starting a series called The Jammer, which will point out up and coming movies and whatever I find interesting in the news. Hope you readers enjoy and comments are always appreciated.

Upcoming Movies

The Grey

In Alaska, a plane crashes in the wild leaving several oil workers stranded and fighting for their lives against the elements and a pack of hungry wolves. Liam Neeson vs. a pack of hungry wolves? I’m sold. I was pleasantly surprised with his action chops in Taken and wouldn’t mind if he turned his @$$kicking ways to a bunch of wolves. At the end of the trailer you see Neeson look at a wolf, strap mini broken bottles to his knuckles, and run head first towards the animal. Ballsy! What’s not to like?



Project X

Anytime Hollywood could exploit youthful ignorance it will pounce like a cheetah on cocaine. Here’s film without much of a story and completely void of substance but relying on totally on a bunch of teenagers acting like jackasses on jackass steroids. And you know what? This movie is going to make a lot of $$$. After this movie comes out how many idiot teenagers are going to think behaving recklessly is “cool?” And popularity among peers is the chief end of all mankind? Thanks Hollywood for continuing to poison our youth and making every effort to steer them towards hell in the name of making a profit.

I don't even want to link the trailer but if you really want to see it here it is.

Interesting News

I realize I’m a little late with this bit of news but I just found out that Starbucks would begin serving beer and wine. They already started in Seattle and will begin at select Southern California stores.

My mom owned a 7-11 for as long as I could remember. My sister, Vicky, took over the store, located in East Los Angeles, after she passed away. I could tell you serving alcohol doesn’t bring in the classiest of customers. I’m not saying people who purchase alcohol are gangsters and thugs. But what I am saying gangsters and thugs purchase alcohol. If your customer base is typically the working middle class who enjoy coffee and/or students who enjoy studying at a Starbucks, why in the world are you going to attempt to reach a demographic that could cause tension? Because, you know, college students enjoy studying with a bunch of cholo(s). Is Starbucks going to refer the 40oz Old English as the “Double Venti OE?” I moved out of East Los Angeles in order to get away from that demographic.

That’s it for today. Leave your comments on the topics mentioned above. I would love to hear your opinion. Should Starbucks start serving alcohol? Should there be an episode of Man vs. Wild where Bear Grylls shows us how to fight off a pack of wolves?

The Wedding Diary

It’s been three wonderful years since I’ve married the most beautiful woman in the world. It only recently dawned on me that I’ve never written my intended Wedding Diary. I probably got caught up doing something unimportant. Anyway, if you ever wanted to walk through with me on my wedding day here it is.

All of the guys stayed over at my house. The night before we were partying like rock stars, drinking up a storm. Not really, we went laser tagging in Fullerton. I won, of course. The theme of the wedding was “Worship the Lord with reverence and rejoice with trembling” (Ps 2:11 – emphasis added).

We wanted to rejoice because marriage is a God honoring institution reflecting the beautiful relationship between Christ and the church. However, it’s essential to tremble with reverence and not act like a bunch of juveniles in the process, something that could easily happen with my friends and I.

9:00am – Breakfast with the groomsmen

The groomsmen and I decided to go to IHOP. We feasted and I had about seven cups of coffee. My buddy Aaron took charge and asked each of the guys to impart some words of encouragement. After a couple of jokes and gregarious laughter, which nearly caused a scene at the restaurant, my buddy Bryan (of all people), changed the tone from lighthearted to dead serious by sharing some of the most transparent and personal things in his own life while becoming greatly emotional. He shared his personal struggles in his own marriage and encouraged me to avoid certain pitfalls. Then everyone else joined in and started giving me wise counsel.

I’ll never forget that morning with my guys. All of their uniqueness and why I love each one of them were on full display. I knew this day would go beyond my wife and myself. Several people would be touched, challenged, and changed.

10:30am – Getting ready to get ready

After a rather sobering morning we headed back to the house in order to clean up and made sure we had everything we needed for the big day. While cleaning up a massive pillow fight broke out and slowed the process considerably. If you know anything about guy-pillow-fights you’ll know it usually doesn’t end without a wrestling match breaking out and maybe a couple of drop kicks. This was no exception.

1:00pm – Pictures at the park

We managed to act responsible just enough to clean up and put on our tuxes. We even got the park on time in order to take pictures. Katie and I decided to take our pictures before the ceremony in order to have the reception immediately following the wedding. I enjoy quick transitions at weddings instead of the few hours of lag time in between. Once we arrived at the park, I saw Katie in her dress from a distance, walking slowly towards me (I’m getting emotional just writing this). We had a moment to ourselves and I felt like I was dreaming. I thought to myself, “Is this angelic gorgeous white girl really going to marry me?”

Shortly after nearly falling apart at the sight of my bride we actually started taking pictures. We went through the usual routine of taking wedding pictures. (I’m supposed to leave out the part where Katie tripped and fell during the picture taking time. It was on a steep hill and she was in a wedding dress and wedding dresses are notorious for making a girl completely immobile. So this is me not mentioning that part.)

Side note: When the wedding photos were developed all of us noticed Bryan’s head looked absolutely colossal in EVERY SINGLE PICTURE. To this day he’s convinced our photographer photo-shopped his head. Whatever the case, his head overshadowed our pictures because it truly does jump out at you.

1:30pm – meeting at the church

The guys and I went to the church where the ceremony was being held and had lunch together. We carefully made sure we didn’t get anything on our tuxes and spent some time in prayer. There were a few more jokes and we were off.

3:00pm – The ceremony

Dr. Thoennes, my pastor, professor, mentor, and close friend, who was performing the ceremony, came and got me. I walked my sister up to the front row and went around with Dr. Thoennes to the back door as the seating of the family continued. Before we walked through the door and onto the stage, he gave me a big hug and I told him, “We’ve been through a lot.” (This could be an entire blog in itself)

As we walked through the doors, the processional began. Dr. Thoennes gave one of the best sermons on marriage I’ve ever heard. He mentioned all of the things we’ve been through, all the times I complained about being single and how the girls at Biola were racist. He mentioned my mom and how wonderful she was. I pretty much lost it there. He even had Katie and I turn around and look out at the crowd and take that moment in. He pointed out that the next time we would see all these same people gathered together we’d probably be at one of our funerals.

4:00pm – Off to the reception

At the reception site, the wedding party was introduced first and then finally my wife and I were introduced. I walked out like I was in the starting lineup of the Lakers giving out fist-pumps and high-fives.

Immediately afterwards, we had our first dance. Katie and I had taken Swing-dancing lessons, not so much for the wedding but for fun. We also didn’t like the 7-minute slow song and awkward stare into each other’s face while everyone was looking at us. And if you know me at all, I never like to do things like that in conventional ways. So yes, we rocked the house by taking in the moment and swing danced to our soul’s delight. It was fun and people seemed to enjoy it as well.

Once we finished our first dance we walked to the wedding party table where several people were trying to calm down Becky (sister-in-law). I turned to Katie and said, “What’s wrong with your sister she looks like a train wreck?” Katie replied, “I don’t know.” Well then, this was going to be interesting. The groomsmen began their wedding speeches. I already wrote about that HERE.

When the guys were done giving their speeches the microphone was handed off to Becky who proceeded to have a complete meltdown of epic proportion. Hey, she was only a teenager giving her first wedding speech following a bunch of grown men with graduate degrees who just finished giving their speeches. So we’ll cut her some slack, although the epic meltdown is still absolutely hilarious. If I could describe it, it sounded like a small child completely sobbing trying to explain a situation to their parents but being unable to collect their thoughts in order to do so because of their unstable emotional state- all in a voice of a wounded walrus. That sounds about right. I love my sister-in-law. I always remind her to just chalk it up as “life experience.” Besides, it was probably more memorable that she completely crashed and burned than if she were to actually say something coherent and cliche.

My new father-in-law came up to the table and they handed him the microphone. He was supposed to pray for the food but couldn’t bring the microphone to his mouth without almost losing it. He’ll deny this but we have video footage. I guess getting emotional runs in the family.

We feasted. There was some more dancing, meeting and greeting the tables, and we enjoyed some sticky rice and mango for dessert. Yes, I’m Thai. There was some more joking between the guys and I, a lot of hugging, and what would the night be without bagging on Bryan a little (or a lot).

7:00pm – The send off

Everyone lined up and made a lane for his as we walked off into the sunset. Actually, Dr. Thoennes forgot to sign the marriage license so we had to drop by his house to get that done. Once we got to his house we chatted for a while reflecting on the day and how we were feeling. He wanted to mail the marriage license for us so we didn’t have to worry about it. Furthermore, he was going to stay up and pray for us the rest of the night. I just marvel at the amazing leaders God has put in my life.

Then we were off . . . well . . . you know the rest.

Happy Anniversary to my lovely wife of three wonderful years!!!

Holiday Cheer 2011

With another Holiday Season tucked under our belts we’re ready to get back to our regular scheduled programming. At least I am. But before we get back to the swing of things, it’s time for my annual Holiday Cheer blog in which I reflect on the holiday season.

I’ve already mentioned my exciting for Christmas shopping this year. On Christmas Eve we went to Katie’s grandparent’s house and partied like rock stars. Well, not really but we still had a good time of just hanging out. Grandpa Murphy is well into his 90’s and it wouldn’t be crude of me to think he could count the number of Christmas’ he has left on his hand(s). Despite this he is extremely coherent and often joyful no matter the occasion. It’s inspiring in so many ways. He’s close to glory and appreciates the things he should be appreciating and spends time doing what he needs to be doing.

Pop (aka The Chief) asked me to give the family devotional so I spent a couple of days reflecting on The Virgin Birth of Christ and gave my thoughts on it. The family seemed to appreciate it. I tried to keep it condensed and not give an entire Old Testament Survey class in one sitting like Alan did one year or go gangbusters and give a twenty-seven-point sermon like PJ did another year. I wanted to be concise and memorable (at least that’s what I’ll tell you but the real reason is I’m just too lazy to dig up more content).

The interesting part this year was that Christmas landed on a Sunday. Listening to Mom & Pop try and workout the Christmas Day schedule was hilarious in it of itself.

Mom: What time do you want to have breakfast?
Pop: How about 7am?
Jon: (giving a look that says, “I’m not waking up that early!”)
Mom: Did you want to do stockings before church or after?
Pop: Before.
Me: Breakfast AND stockings BEFORE church? That sounds ambitious and optimistic.
Mom: You’re right. (Turning to Pop): Are you sure you want to do all that before church?
Pop: (doesn’t say anything but gives the look, “I know what I’m doing. I’m the Chief.”
Mom: (picking up on the look) Okay then. We’ll do breakfast and stockings before church. After church we’ll do gifts.
Me: I don’t care I just want to watch basketball.
Mom: I don’t care that you don’t care.
Jon: So when’s breakfast again?
Mom: 7am
Jon: (same “I’m not waking up that early” look on his face)

To my amazement, we actually pulled it off. We were able to eat breakfast, pass out stockings, and I was able to catch some of the Knicks/Celtics game all before church.

Once we got to church Pop, Jon, and I were able to help out Uncle Tim and Aunt Sarah by setting up the overflow room before service. I thought to myself, “Hey, a family serving at church together! Wow, white people DO have it good!” The church decided to keep the doors close and only open them right before service. So we were all in the hallway looking like a bunch of Black Friday shoppers waiting to buy cheap TV(s).

It was a great time of singing holiday Christ-centered songs with the church family. The sermon was an expansion of the devotional I gave the night before. I thought the pastor stole my notes. Whatever. All glory to God in the Highest!

After church we got home and started opening up gifts, sticking right with the schedule Pop came up with the night before. To change things up a bit, Mom wanted the oldest person opening up gifts first this year instead of the usual youngest starting things out. I didn’t care; I knew all my basketball games were humming on the DVR just waiting for me.

Grandpa Davis started the festivities by opening up his gifts first. We went in order according to age while everyone sitting around eagerly waited for the surprises before them. It was fun just to watch others open gifts. It was a blessing to be able to take joy in someone else’s joy and to do it especially in a family context. It took a while to clean up the wrapping paper and put the gifts away. Even though we do this every year it’s memorable each and every year in it’s own unique way. I was so filled with joy and just taking in the moment I even handled the Lakers throwing away the game pretty well (relatively speaking). That’s three straight Christmas Day loses you jack@$$es!!!

We continued throughout the day eating, playing games, and partying like a bunch of dwarves on Middle Earth. Good times all around. This is a far cry from the holidays I grew up with. But God turns “ashes into beauty” and takes the traditions of men to use for His glory.

Happy New Year.

Christmas Devotional – 2011

I realize this is late but I was busy. Besides, this is my blog and I have no deadlines. Enjoy.


During the holiday season we often think about family gatherings, shopping for gifts, and spending some time at church. While at church, we’re reminded of the “reason for the season,” namely, the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. During this time of year, what’s often overlooked in the birth of Christ is the “virgin” part. We could talk historically of how it was difficult for Mary and Joseph to reconcile this difficult concept or how fellow villagers would’ve started gossiping about the idea of a “virgin” becoming pregnant. Those things are clearly important to have us understand the setting of the narrative, historically speaking. But I want to focus on the bigger theological picture of what “The virgin birth of Christ” means to us today.

It was impossible for a woman to become pregnant without sexual intercourse. During the time of Mary and Joseph they didn’t have artificial insemination. This clearly was an act of God. “The virgin birth of Christ is an unmistakable reminder that salvation can never come through human effort, but must be the work of God himself.” The virgin birth was a symbol of God’s plan for salvation.

“But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth his son, born of a woman, born under the law that he might redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons” (Gal. 4:4-5).

If we go back even further to the Old Testament in the days of Micah the prophet:

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor gives birth and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace. When the Assyrian invades our land and marches through our fortresses, we will raise against him seven shepherds, even eight leaders of men. – Micah 5:2-4 (NIV)

“The point of verse 2 is Bethlehem is small. God chooses something small, quiet, out of the way and does something there that changes the course of history and eternity.” The reason is that man cannot boast in his personal merits but only in the glorious mercy of God. Furthermore, Micah contrasts little Bethlehem with the greatness of the Messiah in order to magnify God’s glory. So then, not only is the “virgin birth” of Christ impossible for man but the Lord makes the point of choosing the place, which man cannot boast of as well.

This is not the only time He does this in scripture. The Lord chooses “the elder to serve the younger” (Rom. 9:12). He chooses not a great warrior to defeat Goliath but a boy, David, who was also from Bethlehem. Does the boy choose a sword or a great hammer? No. He chooses a slingshot.

Understanding that everything is from God’s sovereign grace it would be silly of us to boast in any of our own merits. The implications of God’s sovereign grace are two-fold. First, as we’ve already mentioned, we must throw ourselves at the glorious mercy of God. By throwing ourselves at the mercies of God we are not boasting in ourselves but in the Lord. We know the merits have been given to us as a free gift.

27 Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. 28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. – Romans 3:27-28 (NASB)

So what happens to human boasting? A transformation takes place, which leads to human boasting, turning into gratitude and praise towards the Lord. This is worship, not with song only but also with our lives as well.

1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. – Romans 12:1 (NASB)

The second implication of God’s sovereign grace through the virgin birth of Christ is that the Lord keeps his promises. Throughout the OT the Lord promised hope in the form of the coming Messiah. He kept that promise and fulfilled it through His Son Jesus Christ.

12 When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men, 15 but My lovingkindness shall not depart from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 Your house and your kingdom shall endure before [c]Me forever; your throne shall be established forever. – 2 Samuel 7:12-16 (NASB)

This promise was given before the fall and exile of Judah. Micah knew of this promise and yet, he saw his people reject it and fall into exile. You can tell how firmly someone believes God’s promise by whether it gives him strength and hope when life caves in around him. Micah never lost hope. He knew God would keep His promise.

Clearly, the promises of God do not guarantee us freedom from physical harm in this life. But the Lord does promise for all who believe in Him ultimate salvation, which is salvation in the end. This ought to give us hope and strength for today as we seek out God’s glory and not our own. For He keeps His promises.

Let goods and kindred go,

This mortal life also;

The body they may kill:

God’s truth abideth still,

His kingdom is forever.