Posts by Matthew Shorack
Don’t Live As A Puppet To Sin
Don’t Live As A Puppet To Sin John 8:31-32 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” What is it that we are freed from?Being in ministry for almost Thirty years, many with children, I’ve worked with puppets a fair bit. The puppet only does whatever you decide it should do. We don’t have to live as puppets…
Acting On What You See
Acting On What You See Proverbs 3:27-28 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”— when you already have it with you. Why do we hesitate in helping other people who are in need? Last Sunday we looked at the Parable of the Good Samaritan. How important it is to love others, even…
The Harvest Is Worth The Work
The Harvest Is Worth The Work Galatians 6:9-10 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Good employers know, you don’t hire someone just because they look good on paper. You want someone who won’t leave when things get tough, because…
The Joy Of Being Truly Loved
Why would God’s never-ending love give someone joy? Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. God won’t stop loving you no matter how bad or confusing life gets. Weather things are going well, or nothing seems to be…
Conquering Stress, Anxiety And Fear: Parables Of Jesus (Series)
Why does Jesus teach in parables? Can short stories really help us see God’s truth? It’s been over a year of isolation and confusion because of Covid-19. People are lonely, angry, confused and stressed out. How can we experience God’s joy, peace and purpose in times like these? Join us as we find a pathway through the highs and lows of this difficult journey we are on.
A Bad Taste At The Last Supper
A Bad Taste At The Last Supper Luke 22:24-30 24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. A few days after Palm Sunday, these disciples who have been following Jesus, watching Him heal and teach so many, were oblivious to what was truly important during their last meal together. They were so focused on themselves and their own importance that were arguing with each other over who was the greatest. It…
Prayer That Is Real And Effective
Prayer That Is Real And Effective Praying on behalf of others requires vulnerability. Let’s take a look at Daniel 9:4-15 to see how we can become more authentic and effective in our prayers for our family, friends, co-workers and country. (Read Daniel 9:4-15) Daniel’s prayer of confession: I prayed and made my confession. We must confess, not only the sins we are guilty of, but our lack of faith in God and dependence on Him and our commitment to stand…
Anger Destroys
We’ve all seen people do really stupid things because they were angry. Anger can be relationally, emotionally, mentally, and physically costly. It breads mistrust and fear and can cause decades of damage in people’s lives. Many people live in fear and can’t cope with simple challenges. Proverbs 11:29 The fool who provokes his family to anger and resentment will finally have nothing worthwhile left.” How has anger impacted your family? How are the relationships in your life? Is there anyone…
The Tempter Uses Leverage
The Tempter Uses Leverage Are there any negative emotions that regularly leave you exposed to Satan’s attacks? There is a TV show called Leverage. It’s about a team of thieves who come together with a cop to help people who are being used and mistreated by someone in power. They bring justice by finding a weakness and using that leverage to destroy their lives and take away their power. This is what the demonic forces try to do with us,…
Social Distancing Together
Social Distancing Together As we are in our second year of social distancing. Mental, emotional, relational, physical, and spiritual exhaustion is affecting more and more people. I want to encourage all of us not to give into the temptation to cave as a way of dealing with isolation. It looks funny on paper, but we often deal with depression and discouragement by stepping away form others. We are created in the image of God and that means we are highly…
A Message from Franklin Graham
We Cannot Remain Silent! The Equality Act is a dangerous threat to our nation. I am writing to you about a very dangerous piece of legislation—the Equality Act. The Biden Administration has said they want to pass this within their first 100 days. I cannot say this more emphatically—for people, for businesses, and for ministries of faith, the Equality Act is a threat to life as we know it in our nation today. It’s a real game-changer. The Equality Act will: • Designate…
Hearing from God In Times Of Confusion
Hearing From God In Times Of Confusion Who helps you discover the right path when you are confused? Last week I talked on the video about being on the right path that God has for us (Psalm 25:1-4). This week I want us to look at how we can have the right vision to see the path we need to take. Psalm 25:9 “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way”. Admit that you…
Courage In A Hostile Culture (Stories From Daniel)
Living at a time where we often find ourselves alone or shut in, how can we stay mentally, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually healthy? Is it possible to live a life of faith within a hostile culture? Can our prayers really effect how things turn out? Even when the cost was high, Daniel and his friends honored God, even though they lived far from their actual home. Join us as we learn from a few Israelites how to be ambassadors for…
We Can’t Drink Lemonade From Crushed Eggplants
We Can’t Drink Lemonade From Crushed Eggplants How have you noticed your behavior change because of how you chose to think about something? Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. What you plant is what you harvest. You can’t plant squash and be disappointed that you didn’t get oranges. You can’t plant anger, resentment and hostility and get peace, joy and love. If you sow resentment and cynicism into your…
God Rules His Way!
God Rules His Way! How does God show you that He is directing your path when you are walking through a difficult time in your life? Isaiah 45:1-7 “This is what the Lord says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armor, to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut: 2 I will go before you and will level the…
Dont Let Your Feelings Rule You
Don’t Let Your Feelings Rule You Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” When I was growing up, I remember feeling scared that if I gave my life to Jesus, I would end up in Africa traipsing through the jungle. I wasn’t made for that kind of life so maybe I would look at Jesus more…