mattmehaffey

What TV was Invented for

Anyone else out there watching John Adams on HBO?

After watching this compelling drama play out you realize how much junk is actually on TV. Of course, I am sure being an American history fan helps pique my interest. This is actually based on the award-winning historical biography by David McCollough. I have not yet read this book but I have read 1776 (no not the cheesy musical) which I loved.

The bad news is Janie and I are too cheap to actually pay for HBO. We were able to watch the first 3 episodes last weekend due to a free preview weekend. I guess we will have to wait for the DVD's (or read the book).

Baseball and Breakfast

It's 6 am, I've got my cup of coffee, and watching Major League Baseball's opening day game. This doesn't seem right but it feels good! I was having a serious baseball withdrawl! Janie saw that I set the alarm unusually early for me she laughed because only three things will I get up early for Janie, baseball and Jesus coming back.

Hooked - Featuring XXXChurch.com

Pornography is America's dirty, little secret. I have seen marriages and churches ruined because a pastor or husband was hooked by this addiction. Working with High School and Middle School teens for nearly a decade, I can't tell you how many teens I counseled who were engrossed in Internet pornography.

By the age of 11, the average teen has viewed porn. The largest demographic using Internet porn is 12-17 year olds. 48% of Christian homes say pornography is a major problem in their home.

The Church cannot remain silent.

I am excited to announce Craig Gross, founder of XXXChurch.com will be at The Pursuit Christian Church on Sunday, April 20. Craig is known world-wide for bringing awareness to the dangers of pornography and the freedom God wants all of us to have from this addiction.

The entire month of April, The Pursuit will be in a series called, "Hooked." Click over to The Pursuit Christian Church website for the full details and make sure you plan to be there for all four weeks.

Day Twenty-Eight

Matthew 28:6 "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said."

Observation: How is it possible, not one of the followers of Jesus expected Jesus to rise again? The following verses point out many times Jesus gave them fair warning: Matthew 12:40; 16:21; 17:9, 23; 20:19; & 26:32 (that's just the book of Matthew!). Apparently, even his enemies even understood Jesus thought he was going to rise from the dead in three days (see Matt. 27:62-66)!

Application: I can live confidently knowing God keeps his promises. He said he would send Jesus to rescue all of us. He did. Jesus said he would be killed, buried and on the third day he would rise again. He was. He was. He did. Jesus said he would come again. He will.

Prayer: God, you never fail. Your word is true. I long for the day when I spend forever with you in Heaven. There's still a lot of work to be done. Use us God. Use The Pursuit to point countless people to your Son, Jesus. Amen.

Day Twenty-Seven

Matthew 27:42 They mocked ... "Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him!"

Observation: With one word Jesus could have called to his rescue a legion of angels. In the blink of an eye, he could have escaped the cross for all to see. Jesus had to die because that was his mission from God the Father. It was his love for us that held him to the cross not the nails. Even his love for the men who were mocking him.

Application: A few days ago in the 28 Day Journey through Matthew, I wrote about Jesus' difficult teaching to love our enemy. There is no greater example than the cross. While on the cross, Jesus pleads to the Father, "Forgive them, they do not know what they are doing." I want to be so focused on the mission God has given to me that I do not care about the critics.

Prayer: God, there is no one like you. May I find my need for approval in You and not in anyone else. Thank you for doing what had to be done. Amen.

Big News Revealed on Sunday!

A few weeks ago, I mentioned we had a big announcement coming. We have been waiting to make sure it was a done deal, but now that is we still aren't telling ... until Sunday. The Pursuit will get the news first on Easter morning, but check back on the blogs on Sunday to find out what lies ahead.

Day Twenty-Six

Matthew 26:2 "As you know, the Passover is two days away--and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified."

Observation: Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen. He told his followers several times he was going be killed but three days later he would rise from the dead. However, they didn't get it.

One of my favorite movies is Stranger than Fiction where a man who knows his death will cause a greater good to come about has to decide if he will walk knowingly into that death.

Application: I can trust Jesus because he already knows the end of the story. We don't have the same vantage point. He loves us so much he walked willingly into the most excruciating death. No one took his life. He laid it down for you and me.

Prayer: God, this weekend billions of people across the globe celebrate your death, burial and resurrection. It is because of this event we have the hope we have. Thank you for restoring our relationship through your Son. Amen.

Back in the Saddle

Last Sunday, was the first Sunday I didn't preach at The Pursuit. Alex Diaz, our Arts Director filled in and did a great job. You can hear his message online HERE or if you are an avid iTunes user you can subscribe to our podcast (just search for "The Pursuit Christian Church)."

After a week off, I am super excited to preach about Jesus this Easter. Actually we preach about Jesus every week not just on Easter but this message is going to be a lot of fun to teach.

For those of you who will be there, I am pulling out a major surprise from my past. You will not want to miss it!

The Pursuit Blog

Don't forget to check out The Pursuit blog! Many regular attenders and members of The Pursuit Christian Church are also recording their 28 Day Journey thru Matthew.

Day Twenty-Five

Matthew 25:23 "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much."

Observation: God is the giver of all good things. Every one of us God has entrusted to take care of and use what He has given us. While it's true some have been given more than others, it is also true each of us will be held accountable by God according to what He has given us. This is a good truth to remember in all areas of our lives. The good news of Jesus, money, the environment, the Church, our time, our jobs, our health, and our family. All of these are good gifts God has blessed us with. Imagine standing before God and giving your account on how you managed all these areas. Would he say, "Well done" to you and me?

Application: Reading the newspaper every day we are constantly reminded the county is headed for recession. Many people are concerned because their 401k isn't going in the right direction. I wonder what God sees from his all-knowing point of view. He can not be surprised. He was God during the "Great Depression" of 1929 and He was God when the Roman Empire collapsed. No matter how bad things get nationally, the most important thing God cares about is the hearts of individuals. How I use and take care of the gifts God has given me is the same question He asks whether I have much or if I have little.

Prayer: God, I want nothing more than for You to find me faithful. Help me be generous with what you have allowed me to take care of. Give us peace of mind and the knowledge no matter what happens you are on the throne. Amen.