Multiply Church

     I want to explore a theme that resonates deeply within the tapestry of our lives—disruptions. Disruptions, by their very nature, are unexpected and often uninvited changes that challenge the status quo of our existence. They come in various forms, sizes, and impacts, each with its unique set of consequences and lessons.      Reflecting on personal experiences, I'm reminded of dear friends who, after nearly completing the journey of raising their sons, were surprised by the news of a new addition to their family. At 40, they discovered they were expecting another child—a situation that, to my younger self, seemed almost bewildering. Yet, as I stand closer to the milestone of turning 50, the perspective shifts, underscoring the unpredictability and grace embedded within life's journey.      This story of unexpected change serves as a poignant reminder that disruptions are not anomalies; they are a part of the human experience. Whether it's...

     I have felt the urge to share something deeply personal, something that's been stirring in my heart and reshaping my perspective in profound ways. This isn't just another post; it's a confession, a revelation, and a plea rolled into one. I've titled this entry "Crucified in Christ?" and I hope, as you read through, you'll sense the earnestness with which I write and the journey I've been on.      This past week has been unlike any other. It's one of those times when you encounter God so vividly that it cuts right to the core of who you are. This encounter has led me to a message I feel compelled to share, one that I've been wrestling with, and one that has challenged me deeply. It's about truth—speaking it and living it, especially when it's hard. It's about love—the kind of love that compels us to speak the hard truths, first to ourselves and then to others.      A few weeks back, a friend recommended a book to me, one that he...

     This journey I'm on isn't just about me; it's about hope, transformation, and the profound love of Jesus that transcends borders, cultures, and the deepest of despairs.      You know, there's something about hope that's both exhilarating and humbling. Do you remember the first time you felt it? That unshakable assurance that, despite everything, there's a God holding you in His hands? I've seen firsthand what happens when that hope reaches the heart of someone who's never dared to hope before. It's nothing short of miraculous.      My story, my husband's story, and indeed, the story of every soul we've encountered on this mission, is a testament to God's boundless grace. From Bolivia to Uganda, we've walked paths less traveled, and in every face, we've seen His reflection. From the dense jungles of Bolivia, where we first answered God's call, to the vibrant, yet challenging landscapes of Uganda, every step has been guided...

     Ever found yourself caught in the fascinating cycle of debt forgiveness, only to realize how hard it is to pass that same grace forward? That's a story that recently hit me like a ton of bricks. It's about a man who was forgiven a massive debt, an amount he could never have hoped to repay in several lifetimes. You'd think such an overwhelming act of kindness would transform how he treated others, right? Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. When the tables were turned, and he had the chance to forgive a much smaller debt owed to him, he chose anger and resentment instead. This scenario really got me thinking about the profound power of forgiveness and how it's easier to receive than to give.      This realization struck me during a song at church, a moment when the lyrics seemed to echo the depths of my soul. It wasn't about the physical act of worship, but where my heart was in that moment. It was a stark reminder of the immense rescue mission I was a ...

     God truly loves us. And it's not just a surface-level kind of love; it's deep, unconditional, and absolutely real. Most of us struggle to fully grasp this concept, perhaps because it seems too good to be true, especially when we consider how undeserving we often feel.      It's interesting how we tend to view worthiness and love, particularly in the context of our relationship with God. Our culture sometimes gives us the notion that we're loved because we're inherently good or worthy. But, diving into God's word, it's clear that the message is quite the opposite. We're not worthy on our own merit; in fact, without God, we're essentially lost. Yet, in His rich mercy, God loves us unconditionally. It's a truth that both humbles and uplifts.      Shifting gears, I couldn't help but think about the power of encouragement and how vital it is for every single one of us. Who doesn't need a word of encouragement? Exactly, we all do. Encourag...

     Let's dive into something that struck me as absolutely beautiful today: Grace. Not because of how it sounds when I hum that tune, "Grace, grace, God's grace," but because of what it truly means. It's this overwhelming, never-ending grace of God that makes any relationship with Him possible at all. And it's not about any righteousness of our own – trust me, we've already established we're not bringing anything impressive to the table.      Remember that analogy we talked about last week? Our so-called righteousness being like that lost, stinky diaper in the backseat of a car. Yeah, that's us trying to boast about our goodness to God. It's laughable, isn't it?      It's all about grace, folks. Our faith in His grace is what saves us, as Ephesians 2:8-9 spells out. It's a gift, meaning nobody gets to brag about it. If you ever catch someone boasting about their salvation or their Christian life, hit the mute button on them. They...

     This theme has been rolling around in my mind: "Only One." It sounds simple, right? But in a world that's all about options and choices, this notion feels almost revolutionary.     We're constantly bombarded with messages telling us we can have it all, do it all, be it all. From commercials that cost millions for just seconds of our time, promising happiness and success, to the endless stream of choices we face daily. It's overwhelming, isn't it?      But today, I was hit with a different message, one that goes against the grain of our culture: "Only One." It's a reminder, a mantra, that not everything is about having more, doing more, or being more. It's about focusing on what truly matters.      Every person is born only once, lives only one life, and yes, eventually, dies. It's a 100% guaranteed statistic. But the kicker? Every one of us will live forever somewhere. That's right, eternity is real, and where we spend it ...