Posts by Matthew Shorack (Page 9)

What Is God’s Purpose for Difficult Seasons in Life? Life’s journey is full of mountain top experiences and deep dark valleys that sometimes, seem to go on forever. This last week in Seattle, WA we have had nothing but rain and wind along with it starting to get dark at 4:00pm. We know we have a few months of this weather ahead of us and that can be challenging, but as we all know, the summers here are some of…

As we are seeming snowballing down towards End Times, we are more divided then ever. This division is finding every nook and cranny to fill with resentment, bitterness, and hostility. People are ending relationships with friends because of this political divide. I know we want a magic pill to make everything better, but real answers and healing will take more than any government programs or political leaders can give. We don’t have to be overwhelmed with feelings of discouragement because…

As we look around at all the anger and hate in our divided country and around the world, we are challenged with the possibility that End Times could take place in our lives. Some believers are preparing for this possibility by moving to the middle of nowhere, buying guns, and preparing for Armageddon. Others are quietly feeling overwhelmed and emotionally caving. With all the bad information out there on the web, we that we should preach and teach on end…

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where there was no way out? How did you pray? It wasn’t just asking God for help and direction. When we find ourselves in an impossible situation, we fall to our knees in prayer. God, I can’t do this, I need you to deliver me from certain doom. If we are connected to Christ through an intimate relationship, trust and obedience will be a natural response when He calls us to accomplish…

The United States was founded on Biblical principles, but the media, the school systems, and the government are now openly opposed to God’s truth. Believers have gone from being marginalized to being demonized. This is new to us, but it’s not new. Early believers were persecuted more than we are experiencing so far, so we can look to them for direction and encouragement in dealing with a changing culture. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Be on your guard; stand firm in the…

Who Do You Really Trust?  How does trusting God neutralize anger, bitterness, and depression?   With all that’s happening around the world, wars, natural disasters, political hatred, Covid-19, etc., is there any healthy way to deal with all our stress, anger, and frustrations? Alcoholism, drug addiction, depression and suicide are at an all time high and climbing, while online bullying is becoming the norm for soccer moms and high schoolers. People are searching for new paths that might lead to peace…

Are You Ready?Are you spiritually ready for when Jesus comes back to take all His beloved home? Do you believe that Jesus is Lord, or are you waiting to see which way the wind is blowing? We read about Christ coming back like a ‘thief in the night”, with no one knowing when it will take place. Matthew 24:36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the…

When you watch the news or pick up a paper does it feel like we might be getting close to the End Times? As Christian should we fear that we will suffer God’s wrath during the Tribulation? 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18  Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we…

How We Think Now MattersRomans 8:5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.Why is it so important that we learn how to govern our minds? “What Does Your Life Say About Your Faith”, was what Elder Aaron preached on last Sunday, when he asked us to examine our lives, through the scriptures. So,…

Let Perseverance Finish It’s WorkJames 1:2-4Are there any lessons you have learned in your life when God’s timing isdifferent than yours? During this time of the Covid-19, it’s hard to be patientwhen you’re tired and frustrated. We’re all feeling weary from the madnessof the pandemic. Now that new variants are coming on the scene it can feellike this season of isolation and face coverings will never end.Galatians 6:8-9Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay…

1 Corinthians 12:1-11 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 4There are different kinds…

In what areas of your life does pride have your number? How did the enemy get this foothold in your life, and what can you do to go from being devoured by the enemy, to experiencing victory? 1 Peter 5:5-11 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s…

Proverbs 8-9 The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. How’s your integrity affected when you know the right thing to do but you choose not to do it? A wise person of integrity doesn’t need to babble about themselves, instead they can humbly listen to wise counsel, so they keep in step with the Holy Spirit. But a fool…

Wise Or Woke?When you confuse being woke with being wise, it’s easy to get lost. 1 Corinthians 3:18-20 Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say, “He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness.” 20 And again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise; he knows…