Multiply Church

     Joseph's story begins with his father, Jacob, giving him a coat of many colors, symbolizing his special place in the family. This act fueled jealousy among his eleven brothers, leading to a series of events that would change Joseph's life forever.      Blinded by envy, Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery. He was taken to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Despite his dire circumstances, Joseph's integrity and faith in God elevated him to a position of authority in Potiphar's household.      Joseph's journey took another downturn when Potiphar's wife falsely accused him, leading to his imprisonment. Even in prison, Joseph's faith did not waver. He interpreted dreams, which eventually brought him to Pharaoh's attention. Joseph predicted seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine, leading to his rise as the governor of Egypt.      During the famine, Joseph's brothers traveled to Egypt to buy grain, unaware th

     Genesis 11:31 introduces us to Terah, Abram's father, who sets out with his family from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan but settles in Haran. This passage transitions from a broad genealogical overview to a focused narrative on Abram, illustrating that while God sees the entire picture, He also has a specific plan for each individual.      God's omnipresence and omniscience mean He is aware of everything happening in the world and in our lives. He knows the number of hairs on our heads and is intimately involved in our personal journeys. This dual focus of God—seeing the big picture and knowing the individual—reassures us that we are never forgotten, even in our wilderness experiences.      In Genesis 12:1-3, God commands Abram to leave his country, his people, and his father's household to go to an unknown land. This directive required Abram to let go of his security and trust God completely. Abram's father, Terah, represents the comfort and security that we o

Citizens of Heaven First Before diving into the historical context, it's crucial to establish some ground rules. First and foremost, I am a citizen of heaven. Anytime I encounter something in God's word that contradicts my beliefs or desires, I must agree that God is right, and I am not. Lastly, if I want to understand the foundation of our nation, I should look at the original intent of its founders. The Constitution: A Foundation of Freedom The preamble of the Constitution sets the stage for understanding America's foundation. It begins with "We the People," emphasizing that the nation was created for and by the people. The primary reason for founding America was freedom—freedom to make choices without government coercion. This aligns with the biblical principle of free will, where God allows us to make our own choices. The Declaration of Independence: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness The Declaration of Independence, signed on July 4, 1776, further el

     We were created by God for His glory. Our ultimate purpose is not tied to our earthly roles but to glorify Him. This universal purpose is irrevocable. We are designed to have a relationship with God and to grow spiritually as we follow Him. Being a disciple means continually growing in Jesus, taking on His ways, and following His lead.      1 Thessalonians 4:1-3 emphasizes that it is God's will for us to be sanctified. Sanctification means becoming more like Him, set apart and holy. We are saved by grace, and sanctification is the process where we partner with God to become more like Him. This involves listening to God's instructions and following His example.      Failing to grow spiritually leads to stagnation. When we become stagnant, we are more likely to fulfill the desires of the flesh rather than walking in step with the Spirit. This can lead to a dangerous cycle of disinterest in the things of God and increased interest in worldly desires.      Proverbs 3:3-4 advis

     When we approach God with our deepest concerns and desires, it's essential to recognize that His wisdom surpasses our understanding. While we may fervently pray for specific outcomes, such as healing or resolution to our problems, we must also acknowledge that God's plans may differ from our own. This realization doesn't diminish the power of prayer or our faith in God's capabilities; it simply aligns our hearts with the truth that His ways are higher than ours.      Jesus Himself provided us with a perfect example of how to pray in times of distress. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He asked for the cup of suffering to pass from Him, yet He ultimately submitted to the Father's will. This model teaches us to bring our requests to God with hope and faith while simultaneously surrendering to His divine plan, trusting that He knows what is best for us.      Faith is not a guarantee of the outcomes we desire; rather, it is a trust in God's sovereignty and goodness,