Posts by Matthew Shorack (Page 5)

lived in close relationship with God and knew God as his friend. He had God’s promises in his heart, God’s presence in his life, and God’s power in his spirit. Because of all of this, he was fearless. What was true for Daniel can be true for us. We have Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God’s promises with us. There are more than 7,000 promises in God’s word that we can trust in for our daily lives. Matthew 28:20b And…

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Ephesians 2:8-9 “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in…

There’s a lie from the enemy of our Lord. Straight from the pit of Hell. You’re alone! One of his main schemes has always been to divide and conquer. The truth is all believers are united in worship. What unites us? Is it religion or God’s law? Romans 4:13-15 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14…

Most people wish they spent a lot more time praying than they actually do. Sometimes our minds can wander, and we feel distant in the midst of prayer. Hearing from God involves a lot more than just listening. We need to approach God with a surrendered heart and humility to be able to receive what He has for us. Instead of praying for God to bless what we’ve already decided to do, we need to wait on the Holy Spirit…

Galatians 5:22-25 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Without the Lord’s leading and anointing we are destined to…

Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The word “Blessed” means, to be on the right path. Persecution will accompany obedience to God, but the rewards are eternal blessings. 2 Timothy 3:11-12 You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. 12 Yes, and everyone who wants…

Recently, A response was given to the short:   A user asked: Does it also say in the Bible that we allow ourselves to be used as well?   In response, Pastor Matthew replied: Good push back and question. Just a few thoughts. We are called to stand in the gap for what is right, and we are called to turn the other cheek and show grace. The Holy Spirit will guide us if we seek our Counselor’s guidance in…

How have you struggled and suffered? Did you grow in your faith through those trials and experienced God’s redemptive power at all in your life? Galatians 3:1-4 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning…

Everyone wants to be known. To matter to somebody. Our culture is in the midst of an identity crisis, but we worship a God who knows us. Psalm 139 You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. It’s a good thing that God has searched us and knows us. Because we have listened to the lies of the world, and we don’t know who we really are. We often don’t know what’s right or wrong. We try so hard…

God is three Persons, but one God. Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. The term “one” in Hebrew, is Echad (United One) Not Yachid (Mathematical One). One God, in three distinct Persons. Matthew 28:18-19 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the…

Did you know that in the New Testament we are commanded more than 50 times to Love? I don’t know about you, but I don’t like being told what to do. Especially if it’s about something as personal and challenging as love. In John 13:34 it says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Love as Christ loves us? I can’t reach or achieve this kind of…

Can I lose my faith? This is the one the question I have been asked as a pastor, more than any other. It’s a good question. 1 John 5:13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. What if I commit a terrible sin? What if I struggle with my faith? It’s so discouraging to live without knowing where you stand with…

When we try to accomplish things in our own strength, in our own timing, and in our own way, we are really telling God, I got this, I don’t need you in my everyday life. Then we burn out and blame God for not rescuing us. How different would our lives be if we started with a prayer that asked God for direction for His will in our lives, and then we adjusted our plans to connect with His will…

When I was twelve years old, I was lost and alone on the side of a mountain for three days and two nights. All that time I was looking and preparing for ways to go home. I was injured from a fall so I couldn’t get out on my own. I had to wait to be rescued. We’ve been looking forward to the second coming of Christ for a long, long time. God has given us signs, which are events…

Have you put your trust in your government, your jobs, your family, your friends, or even your success, just to be let down time and again. Even good things can’t bring fulfillment that lasts. If you keep doing the same thing and it doesn’t work, maybe it’s time to try something new. Galatians 2:19-21 “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no…

It takes courage to face conflict and unforgiveness. Fear can cause us to not deal with broken areas of relationships, especially with those who are closer to us. Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Unforgiven conflict causes harmful effects in our lives. It impedes our happiness. When we are quarreling…