Posts by Matthew Shorack (Page 10)
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…
Don’t Throw Spears
Don’t Throw Spears Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. As I was watching the news today, I was reminded that words like respect, graciousness and politeness have been lost in our political discourse. It’s times like this that I’m glad I’m not on Facebook. There are a lot of angry people going at one…
Don’t Be a Victim
Don’t Be A Victim! How does Satan manipulate you through guilt and shame? Colossians 1:13-14 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Satan decreases the effect of our sin before we give into it and exploits it afterwards. The Enemy will try and own us, our thoughts and actions through temptation and shame. He’s a master manipulator. He whispers lies, “Don’t…
What Would You Do? New Series
What Would You Do? As we are preparing to begin a new year, we are staring a new series called, “What would You Do?” All of us experience difficult situations in life. The real challenge is, how will we respond to what’s happening around us? Are you tired of being controlled by your emotions? Our spiritual strongholds are based in the pain of the past and the problems of the present keep piling up until the fear of the future…
Sixteen Candles
Sixteen Candles Imagine you are sixteen years old and an angel tells you that you are going to give birth to the Savior or the world. The hopes and fears, the joy and anger would be crowding your mind, trying to find a way to make sense of what you were told. People will judge you. Some will have the legal right to take your life and others will never look at you the same way. This was Mary’s reality.…
New Christmas Series – God With Us
New Christmas Series – God With Us Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night unable to see your hand in front of your face? A small light goes a long way in bringing understanding to your present circumstances. Jesus claimed to be the Messiah, the light of the world. (John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the…
Keys to the Kingdom
Keys To The Kingdom When Julie and I were in Uganda, we help lead the teens in a game called, “Keys to the Kingdom”. The leaders, who were dressed as demons ran around and tried to tag the kids. There were only two ways a kid could be safe. They could kneel and pray anywhere, or they could run to different safe zones on the field and recite a verse they had memorized to get Kingdom keys. Once the had…
Love Others well
Love Others Well I was making myself a sandwich the other day and without hesitation when I opened up a new loaf, I tilted up the heal slice of bread, reached a few slices into the loaf and removed my perfect two slices of bread. As I was eating my delicious sandwich I realized how quick I was to get the best bread for my incredible sandwich and leave the heal for the next poor sap who opened the loaf…
We Are Healed For a Reason
We Are Healed For A Reason Matthew 8:1-3 When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. 2 A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” 3 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. Imagine what it meant to this man, not only to be healed, but also to be touched by another person. God is committed…
God’s Purpose In Times Like These (New Series)
God’s Purpose In Times Like These (Series) When we look around at all the sickness, violence and hatred, it’s easy to feel like there’s no point or purpose. Like a ship without a rudder, it’s easy to feel lost, alone and like no one cares. It’s normal and healthy to ask questions. Where is God? Why can He seem so distant when we need Him most? Is all that we are going through right now an accident or is He…