Posts by Matthew Shorack (Page 14)
Why Temptation is so Powerful?
Why Is Temptation So Powerful? Do you ever feel overwhelmed by your desire to do what you know is wrong? Why does sin have such a strong magnetic force that at times it seems to have a stronger pull than our faith? Is there any way we can overcome our sinful nature? I’m sorry to say that according to scripture, the answer is no. Not only that, but even our New Testament heroes like Paul, fall short. We see in…
ASSURANCE OF SALVATION
ASSURANCE OF SALVATION Jesus’ parable of the sower and the seed; Matthew 13 –The sower (the Holy Spirit) and the seed (God’s Word) are effective and good, but the field or soil must accept and allow the seed to take root and grow. The context is about how receptive and open we (people) are to the Gospel message and the prompting of the Holy Spirit. So how can we know that God’s seed has been firmly planted and taken root…
Know Who The Battle Is Really Against
Know Who The Battle Is Really Against 2 Timothy 2:23-26 Don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, & be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. Growing up, a…
Celebration of Life Service for Jodi Marie Hall
If you missed her service, please use this link to view the service: https://youtu.be/LmtDg3XDMe4 Please keep Jodi’s family, friends and church family in your prayers as we are all hurting and missing her. We are so thankful that she is with the Lord and that we get to see her again in heaven. Philippians 3:20-21 “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,who, by the power that enables him to…
Conditions to Answered Prayer
CONDITIONS TO ANSWERED PRAYER John 14:12-15 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. 15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. One of the reasons we feel like God…
THE LORD WILL RAISE HIS VOICE TO BE HEARD
THE LORD WILL RAISE HIS VOICE TO BE HEARD This last Sunday, we started a new series, “Giving Up Your Idols” from Luke 9:59-60. Our midweek encouragement will be connected to the previous message for this series. Matthew 21:12-13 Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will…
No More Banging Gongs
No More Banging Gongs I’ve been reading through Ephesians for my devotions for the last few weeks and a few things stood out to me. The church was in a hostile environment in Ephesus, were they were isolated and under pressure to give into the Godless culture of their day. Paul encourages the church, by reminding them that God is in control, and their salvation can’t be taken away. Eternal life is eternal. Then Paul shows what God’s purpose and…
Giving Up Your Idols (Series)
Have you ever wondered if you’re the only one who struggles with the hypocrisy of not living out what you know to be true? How can a believer know God’s word and be so casual in not being a doer of the word? Is there a way to experience love, joy, peace and the rest of the fruit of the Spirit in a growing way in a world that is getting more and more divided and anti-Christian? The answer isn’t…
Are You Whole?
Are You Whole? Do you know the word of God and still feel like you’re somehow missing something very important? Do scriptures like the Galatians 5:22-26 bring frustration instead of peace and joy? Does it remind you of what your missing in real time faith? Can we be whole or are we destined to enjoy only fleeting moments of the fruit of the Spirit. Is God really that Cruel? Does He point at what is just out of His children’s…
We all struggle with a heart of a Pharisee
We all struggle with a heart of a Pharisee We have a lot of people struggling with isolation and depression. Last week God challenged me with Matthew 15:18 as I was thinking about people who I disagreed with. I wrote down some questions realizing I needed to repent. This exercise helped me, and I hope it helps you. Matthew 15:18 But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. Do you…
What is the Truth about Me?
Truth-About-Me Above is a link to a PDF from Neil Anderson’s writings (It’s OK to click on it! ) This is an amazing organized scripture list renouncing the lies we all hear from the enemy. Your weapon is Truth and that is found in the scriptures attached. Save this, print this and perhaps post this close to you throughout the day. You’ll soon memorize the scripture and add another piece of armor.
How to be more intentional about spending time in God’s word.
Ask God to speak to you through today’s verses. (Example: Romans 8:1-2) After reading the text, summarize them in your own words. Rewrite it in a way that would enable you to easily explain it to a friend. Reread the scripture and compare it to your summary. Is there something you added or missed? If needed, modify your summary to reflect the big idea in the verses. Ask yourself, what is the Holy Spirit saying to me through these scriptures?…
Spiritual Warfare: The Unseen Battle
THIS SUNDAY: July 19th Avoiding Landmines in the Unseen Battle Ephesians: 6 10-18 Spiritual Warfare: The Unseen Battle Series The Armor of God 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put…
