THE GREAT IMPORTANCE OF GIVING TO THE LORD
Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Let us take a moment to explore a spiritual principle that is often misunderstood and sometimes overlooked—the importance of giving in the life of a believer. This is not just about money; it’s about understanding the heart of God, the mission of Christ, and our calling as disciples.

1. The Spiritual Battle Over Giving

One of the areas the enemy fiercely attacks is the spirit of generosity. Satan understands that giving is both a spiritual weapon and a blessing channel. He does not want anyone—believers or non-believers—to develop a generous heart.

Even non-believers, when they give, can experience God’s principles in action.

Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) says,

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Satan resists this truth by promoting selfishness, materialism, and fear of lack—he wants people to be closed-hearted, always thinking they don’t have enough to give.

2. Giving Reflects the Nature of God

God is the ultimate Giver. The foundation of the Gospel is giving.
John 3:16 (NIV) says,

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

When we give, we reflect the very nature of God. It becomes an act of worship, an expression of love, and a tangible sign that we trust God as our provider.

3. Christ Identifies with the Needy

Jesus made it clear that what we do (or don’t do) for others, we do (or don’t do) for Him.
In Matthew 25:35-40 (NIV), Jesus says:

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat… I was a stranger and you invited me in… I was in prison and you came to visit me… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Notice that Jesus refers to the “least of these brothers and sisters of mine.” He is speaking about fellow believers, especially those who suffer for their faith or are in difficult circumstances. These are not just anyone in need, but those in whom Christ dwells by His Spirit.

4. Even Jesus “Needs” Today

This is a theological mystery but a biblical reality: although Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 1:3), He still experiences suffering through His body—the Church.

Acts 9:4-5 (NIV) recounts Saul’s encounter with Christ:

“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”

Even though Saul was persecuting Christians, Jesus took it personally. In the same way, when we ignore or help a suffering believer, Jesus sees it as done to Him.

5. Prosperity Doesn’t Eliminate Trials

There’s a popular teaching today that says if you are saved, you will never be poor, sick, or suffer. But this contradicts the life of Jesus and His apostles.
2 Corinthians 6:4-5 (NIV) says:

“…as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger.”

God allows seasons of need not because He is unjust, but to test faith, refine character, and provide opportunities for others to bless and be blessed.

6. Giving Invites Blessing

Helping those in need—especially fellow believers—is a direct investment in God’s kingdom. Jesus said in Mark 9:41 (NIV):

“Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.”

Even the smallest act of kindness done in Christ’s name carries eternal significance. God records and rewards every act of generosity done with the right heart.

7. Giving Is Everyone’s Responsibility

Generosity isn’t reserved for the rich, the clergy, or church elders. It is a calling for all believers.
Galatians 6:10 (NIV) says:

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

This includes financial help, hospitality, encouragement, prayer, and practical support.

Conclusion: Give with Purpose and Faith

God doesn’t need our money—He owns everything. But He allows us to partner with Him through giving so that our hearts can grow in love, and so that His people can be supported and strengthened.

When we give to fellow believers in need, we are giving to Christ Himself.

So don’t withhold your hand. Don’t ignore the prompting to help. Whether it’s a financial offering, a visit to someone in prison, food for the hungry, or even just a word of encouragement—do it as unto the Lord.

And remember Jesus’ words:

Acts 20:35 (NIV)

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Maranatha – The Lord is coming soon.
Let us be found faithful, loving, and generous.

Please share this message with others—it might be the encouragement they need today.

AVOID SPYING AND INVESTIGATING EVERYTHING GOD HAS PROMISED.

Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I welcome you to reflect on the words of life from our God. Welcome.

One thing we must be careful about is examining, scrutinizing, or spying on the promises God has made to us in our lives. It’s not that investigating is inherently wrong—no—but the result of doing so may be that what we encounter will turn out differently from our expectations, and at the end of the day, we may become disheartened, even leading us to offend God, or even reject what He promised us.

To understand this, let’s look at an example of the children of Israel. We know that when they left Egypt, God led them in the wilderness for a very short time. Now, as they were about to enter the Promised Land—a land God had promised them as a land flowing with milk and honey—they were not content to follow God patiently; instead, they wanted to rush things.

What they did was approach Moses and say, “Send men to spy out the land for us, to see if what God promised us is really there or not.” Remember, God did not command this; it was their own idea. Later, God allowed it through Moses, but He did not command it.

As most of us know, it’s true that they saw the beauty of the land and acknowledged that it was indeed a very attractive land. But the beauty was not all there was; there were also many threats in that land. The beauty became overshadowed by these dangers. Instead of rejoicing in the good they saw, the children of Israel mourned the hardships, disasters, and deaths they witnessed there—the strength, size, and advanced technology and weapons of the people who lived there.

This greatly angered God, so much so that He swore that all those who left Egypt would die without seeing the land, except for Joshua and Caleb.

They also angered Moses, who was himself rebuked by God and told that he would not enter the land either.

Numbers 13:22-27, 34-37 (paraphrased in English):
22 “Then they went up and explored the land, coming to the Valley of Eshcol, and they spied it out.
23 They brought back some of its fruit to us and reported, ‘The land that the Lord our God is giving us is a good land.’
26 But you did not trust the Lord your God; you grumbled in your tents, saying, ‘Because the Lord hates us, He brought us out of Egypt to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us.’

34 The Lord heard your words, and His anger burned. He swore, saying,
35 ‘Not one of the men of this evil generation will see the land I swore to give their ancestors, except Caleb son of Jephunneh; he will see it, and I will give him and his children the land he explored, because he followed the Lord wholeheartedly.’
37 The Lord was angry with me because of you and said, ‘You will not enter it either.’”

All this teaches us that it’s not that God is displeased with us for inspecting His promises, but the danger lies in the potential for destruction. God often hides His blessings in surprising circumstances—sometimes in affliction, trials, illness, hardship, or suffering. That is why He wants His people always to live by faith, trusting only in Him.

Look at Joseph. He was shown that his brothers would betray him. If he had lived assuming that everything would always be easy, suddenly, without challenge… there would have been no betrayal by his brothers, no imprisonment in the king’s prison for many years, no long period of being a servant to another person. God would have been forgotten for a long time.

Likewise, for you, the saved one, all the promises and blessings that God promised to all His faithful chosen ones will come at the right time. Perhaps God will first use you in other levels of service, or provide blessings in the physical realm such as money, a house, or possessions. Do not scrutinize when; just think positively all the time, remain neutral, and trust God in every situation. You might face setbacks today and think God is not with you, but that is the path toward achieving your vision.

May the Lord help us to walk in His spiritual principles.

God bless you abundantly.

What does it mean to “pray in the spirit, and also pray with the understanding”?

Question: What did Paul mean when he said, “I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding”?

1 Corinthians 14:14-15 (NKJV):

14 – “For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15 – What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding; I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.”

Answer:

In 1 Corinthians 14, the Apostle Paul addresses confusion in the early Christian church regarding the use of spiritual gifts, especially the gift of speaking in tongues. This confusion has persisted in many church communities to this day, particularly surrounding the nature and purpose of tongues and prophecy.

To understand what Paul meant, it’s important to first grasp the basic function of spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts, including tongues, are given by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church (1 Corinthians 12:7). The gift of tongues, in particular, serves multiple purposes, such as:

• Edification of the individual believer – when one prays in tongues, their spirit is built up and strengthened (1 Corinthians 14:4).
• Evangelism and the spread of the gospel – in some cases, tongues can be a sign to unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22).
• Edification of the church – when interpreted, tongues can benefit the congregation by bringing understanding and spiritual growth (1 Corinthians 14:5, 13).

The Nature of Tongues

The gift of tongues is divided into two categories:

1. Human languages – These are known languages, like Swahili, Maasai, or others, but they can be spoken by the Holy Spirit in situations where the speaker does not understand them (Acts 2:4-11, where the apostles spoke in various languages that were understood by people from different regions).
2. Angelical or spiritual languages – These are languages not known by human beings and are used for direct communication with God. Paul alludes to this in 1 Corinthians 13:1, where he says, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels…”

Purpose of Tongues

The primary purpose of speaking in tongues is to communicate with God in the spirit. This is a personal prayer language that is not meant to be understood by others unless it is interpreted.

1 Corinthians 14:2 says, “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.”

However, tongues can also serve as a sign to the unbelievers.

In 1 Corinthians 14:22, Paul writes:
“Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.” The use of tongues in this way is meant to demonstrate the power of God to those who do not yet believe, pointing them toward salvation.

Paul’s Point in 1 Corinthians 14:14-15

Paul’s statement, “I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding,” speaks to the balance between the two types of prayer:

• Prayer in the Spirit – Praying in tongues allows the believer to communicate directly with God. The spirit prays, but the understanding (or intellect) does not grasp the content of the prayer. This can be edifying for the individual, but without interpretation, it doesn’t build up the congregation (1 Corinthians 14:4).
• Prayer with understanding – This refers to praying in the known language, where both the speaker and the listeners understand what is being prayed. This type of prayer is beneficial for corporate worship, as it can encourage and instruct others in the faith.

Paul’s approach is not to downplay the importance of tongues but to emphasize that understanding should not be neglected. In a corporate setting, tongues should always be accompanied by interpretation, so that the church can be edified.

The Problem in the Church

In 1 Corinthians 14:6-12, Paul addresses the confusion caused by speaking in tongues without interpretation. He explains that if a person speaks in tongues without offering an interpretation, they are only speaking to themselves and God, not edifying others. He likens it to speaking a foreign language in a place where no one understands it— it would be unhelpful to the listeners (1 Corinthians 14:11).

Paul then urges those who speak in tongues to pray that they may also interpret (1 Corinthians 14:13). Without interpretation, the tongues are only beneficial for the speaker, not the congregation.

The Gift of Interpretation

The gift of tongues is complemented by the gift of interpretation of tongues, which allows the message spoken in tongues to be understood by others. 1 Corinthians 12:10 lists the gift of interpretation as a spiritual gift given by the Holy Spirit. Paul encourages believers to desire the gift of prophecy and interpretation, as prophecy edifies the church in a way that tongues alone cannot (1 Corinthians 14:5).

Paul’s Conclusion

Paul’s conclusion in

1 Corinthians 14:19 is clear:
“Yet in the church, I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.”

Here, Paul highlights the importance of speaking in a way that benefits the body of Christ as a whole, particularly through understanding, teaching, and prophecy.

Praying in the Spirit and with Understanding

Paul’s teaching is that both forms of prayer (in the spirit and with understanding) should be used appropriately. In private, praying in the spirit (in tongues) is a powerful means of personal edification, as the Holy Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:26-27). But in public worship, praying with understanding (in a known language) is essential for the edification of others, so they can join in prayer and worship.

Conclusion: A Balanced Use of Gifts

As we see from 1 Corinthians 14:26-33, spiritual gifts are meant to be used in an orderly and edifying manner within the church. 1 Corinthians 14:33 states, “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace.” Therefore, when we speak in tongues, we must be mindful of how it affects others, ensuring that it builds up the body of Christ and does not cause disorder.

Key Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 12:7 – Spiritual gifts are for the edification of the church.
• 1 Corinthians 14:2 – Tongues are for personal communication with God.
• 1 Corinthians 14:22 – Tongues are a sign for unbelievers.
• 1 Corinthians 14:5, 13 – Tongues should be interpreted for the edification of the church.
• Romans 8:26-27 – The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us when we don’t know how to pray.
• 1 Corinthians 14:19 – The importance of praying with understanding in church.

God bless you.

DO YOU HAVE HOPE OF GETTING BACK WHAT YOU’VE LOST?

May the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, be blessed. Welcome as we explore God’s Word—the lamp that lights our path and guides our steps (Psalm 119:105).

Do you work with your hands, run a business, or manage a farm or livestock? Do you rely on these activities for your income?

Have you ever had a project, business, or investment suddenly fall apart? Sometimes it’s hard to understand why. Today, I want to help you see the reason for such trials through Scripture.

If you are in Christ—standing firm, faithful, and obedient to the Lord—and your work suddenly collapses, know that the cause is like what happened to Job. Satan may go before God to accuse you because of your righteousness, and God allows certain trials. But these challenges have a good purpose: if you endure and overcome them, God will exalt you even more. These trials are meant to move God’s people from one level of spiritual growth to another.

However, if you are outside of Christ—meaning you have not received Jesus, do not believe in Him, and do not live a holy life pleasing to Him—and your work or possessions are suddenly destroyed in an extraordinary way, the story is different. The same spiritual attacks that struck Job can strike you, but the outcome is far more severe.

Satan or his demons may go before God to accuse you, and God may allow them to destroy your work, your business, or your livestock. The difference is, if you are not in Christ, there is no hope of recovering what you’ve lost.

Let’s consider a biblical example to illustrate this. In Mark 5:6–14, we read about a man possessed by many demons. The demons begged Jesus not to send them away but to enter a herd of pigs. Jesus allowed it, and the demons entered the pigs. The entire herd—about 2,000 pigs—ran into the sea and drowned. The herdsmen fled and reported the incident to the town.

Think about it: this man was likely very wealthy, with 2,000 pigs and several herdsmen. But suddenly, everything was gone. On the surface, he might have blamed witchcraft or bad luck, but the real cause was spiritual. Demons went before Jesus to ask permission to destroy his wealth—and Jesus allowed it.

This is similar to Job, whose livestock were also destroyed by Satan with God’s permission (Job 1:9–12).

The key difference is what happened afterward. Job, who was righteous and in God’s favor, eventually received double what he had lost. The rich man in Mark, however, never recovered his herd. He reaped nothing but loss. Even the Lord did not intervene to restore the pigs.

Why the difference? The rich man was outside of Christ. He had not repented, had not believed in Jesus, and may even have been among those who rejected Him. That’s why he never recovered what he lost.

This raises an important question: how secure is your work, your business, or your livestock? Are you in Christ, or are you outside Him? You may trust your possessions to protect you, but remember: demons report them before God every day, and God can allow them to be destroyed in a single day.

If God allowed such destruction for Job, who was perfect in His eyes, what about the rest of us, who are not perfect?

Ask yourself: when a day of sudden loss comes—like it did for Job or the rich man—where will you be? Will you have hope like Job, or will you be lost like the rich man?

If you haven’t yet received Jesus, now is the time. Accept Him for the safety of your spirit, your children, your possessions, and your livestock. Otherwise, you risk losing hope in the days of trial.

May the Lord bless you.

If you like, I can also make a slightly shorter, punchier version that’s perfect for sharing as a devotional or sermon, keeping it impactful and easy to read aloud.

Do you want me to do that next?

A New Heaven and a New Earth (Part 1)

Greetings in the mighty name above all names, the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I warmly welcome you to explore the words of life. Today, we will study the concept of a new heaven and a new earth—a topic central to God’s ultimate plan for creation.

Many people wonder: Where will this new heaven and new earth, described in Scripture, exist? Will it be in heaven or on earth? Will it be our current world restored, or a completely new creation? To answer this, we need to trace the history of the earth and God’s plan for humanity.

The History of Heaven and Earth

Before discussing the new heaven and new earth, it is important to understand the original creation. The Bible tells us:

Genesis 1:1, ESV)

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” 

The term heavens refers to the entire sky and universe—the planets, stars, and all visible space. The word earth refers to the physical world, inhabited by humans and other creatures.

When God first created the earth, it was perfect and fully functional. However, at some point, it became formless and void, as Scripture describes:

Genesis 1:2, ESV)

“The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” 

Theologically, this verse shows us that God’s creation was originally perfect, but due to spiritual rebellion (likely the fall of Satan and his angels before humanity was created), chaos entered the world. God did not create the world incomplete or imperfect. As Isaiah reminds us:

Isaiah 45:18, ESV)

“For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): ‘I am the Lord, and there is no other.’” 

This teaches an important theological principle: God is a God of order, not chaos. Creation reflects His glory, and He does not leave His work unfinished.

Humanity and the Flood

When God created humans, He restored the earth to a habitable state. He created light, separated the seas from the land, and brought forth vegetation and life (Genesis 1). But when Adam sinned, sin entered the world, bringing spiritual and physical corruption. Humanity’s rebellion continued to grow, culminating in God’s judgment during Noah’s time:

(Genesis 6:5-6, ESV)

“The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart.” 

This led to the flood, which destroyed all life except for Noah and his family (eight people). The earth was again rendered formless, but God’s covenant with Noah assured that He would never again destroy the earth by flood (Genesis 9:11).

After the flood, God did not fully restore creation to its original state. The earth’s climate, human lifespans, and the ecological balance changed. For example, human longevity decreased drastically from thousands of years to about 120 years (Genesis 6:3).

God’s Final Judgment by Fire

Scripture teaches that the world will face ultimate judgment again—not by water, but by fire, in preparation for the new heaven and new earth:

2 Peter 3:7, ESV

“But the heavens and the earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.” 

Isaiah 13:9, ESV

“See, the day of the Lord is coming, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger, to make the earth desolate and destroy the sinners within it.” 

Revelation 16:17-18, ESV

“The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple from the throne, saying, ‘It is done!’ And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth so mighty an earthquake and so great. 

Theologically, this teaches God’s justice and holiness: the sinfulness of humanity cannot coexist with the perfect holiness of God forever. The fire symbolizes purification and the removal of all that is corrupt. Only after this judgment can the creation of a new heaven and new earth take place.

Key Theological Insights

1. God’s Creation is Perfect: God does not create half-finished works. The earth was originally perfect, and its fall was due to spiritual rebellion.

2. Sin Corrupts Creation: Human sin (and spiritual rebellion before humans) corrupted God’s creation, making judgment necessary.

3. God’s Covenant is Faithful: Even after judgment, God preserves a remnant (Noah’s family) and promises ultimate restoration.

4. Final Judgment Precedes Restoration: The new heaven and new earth will only come after the ultimate purification of the current creation.

5. Hope in Christ: Believers can look forward to being part of this new creation, which will be free from sin, death, and suffering.

Understanding this history gives context to God’s plan for our world and helps us anticipate the ultimate restoration of all things.

We will continue in Part 2 of New Heaven and New Earth, where we will explore the new creation itself and what it will look like.

KEEP A RECORD OF WHAT THE LORD DOES—IT WILL HELP YOU IN THE FUTURE

In the name of our Lord Jesus, be blessed.

It is vitally important to remember the works of the Lord in your life. These memories will strengthen you in times of trial, guide your decisions, and even serve as testimony for others. Scripture often calls God’s people to “remember the deeds of the Lord” (Psalm 105:5, ESV). Every miraculous act the Lord performs, every answered prayer, and every divine intervention should be preserved—either in writing, testimony, or in the heart. In times of difficulty, when our strength fails, these memories remind us that God is faithful and that He will deliver us again.

The Example of David and Goliath

Consider David facing Goliath (1 Samuel 17:32–37, ESV). His victory did not come from his anointing, his youth, or dreams, but from his memories of God’s faithfulness:

1 Samuel 17:36, ESV

“Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” 

David remembered how God had delivered him from lions and bears while he protected his father’s sheep. These past victories gave him courage to confront Goliath.

Theological insight: Memory in the biblical sense is not just recollection; it is an active trust in God’s past faithfulness that fuels present faith. David’s testimony of God’s past deliverances became his spiritual weapon. Without these memories, his confidence would have been merely human courage, vulnerable to fear.

Mary, the Mother of Jesus: Preserving God’s Works

Another profound example of spiritual memory is Mary, the mother of Jesus. She treasured all the events surrounding Jesus’ birth in her heart (Luke 2:19, ESV).

“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” 

Mary’s careful reflection preserved the truth of the Incarnation for future generations. The Gospels of Luke and Matthew rely heavily on her testimony. Even the accounts of the shepherds (Luke 2:8–20, ESV) were preserved because Mary remembered them and shared them with others.

Theological insight: Mary’s example demonstrates the biblical principle of spiritual contemplation and memory. By treasuring God’s works, she became a conduit through which God’s story could reach the world. This is consistent with the broader biblical theme: God’s people are called to “remember the works of the Lord” (Psalm 77:11, ESV) and to meditate on them continually.

The Importance of Preserving God’s Works

We are called to follow David and Mary’s example:

1. Record God’s deeds in your life. Write down answered prayers, miracles, and moments of guidance.

2. Reflect on them regularly. Spiritual memory strengthens faith (Deuteronomy 8:2–3, ESV).

3. Share them with others. Testimonies encourage the faith of the next generation (Psalm 78:4–7, ESV).

Proverbs 13:22 (ESV) reminds us:

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.”

Your spiritual inheritance is more than wealth—it is the testimony of God’s faithfulness. Preserving memories of God’s work equips you for trials and provides a spiritual inheritance for your children and future generations.

Practical Steps

• Keep a journal of God’s faithfulness.

• Reflect weekly on moments of answered prayer or protection.

• Teach your children and community about God’s past deeds.

• Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring these memories to mind during trials.

Conclusion:
Remembering and treasuring God’s works is not merely sentimentality—it is a spiritual discipline that strengthens faith, equips for battle, and blesses generations. As David triumphed over Goliath through memory and faith, and Mary preserved the story of the Savior, so should we treasure God’s deeds in our hearts.

May the Lord bless you and guide you as you faithfully remember His works and share His goodness with others.

IN THEIR HEARTS, THEY RETURNED TO EGYPT

Blessed be the name of our Savior, Jesus.

Welcome as we dive into the Scriptures—God’s Word, which is a lamp to guide our feet and a light for our path (Psalm 119:105).

The journey of the children of Israel provides a powerful lesson for us, who are traveling from this world to our true Canaan—heaven. By studying their journey carefully, we can understand the spiritual precautions we must take to reach our eternal destination.

The Bible tells us that the Israelites were brought out of Egypt by God’s mighty hand. Yet, as they traveled through the wilderness toward Canaan, they faced challenges that caused them to grumble against God. So strong was their desire to return that they even wished to go back to Egypt, the place they had left.

Numbers 14:3-4
“Why is the Lord bringing us into this land only to let us be killed by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as captives. Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?”
“They said to each other, ‘Let us choose a leader and go back to Egypt.’”

Numbers 11:4-6
“The rabble among them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, ‘If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt without cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. But now our appetite is gone; we see nothing but this manna!’”

By grumbling and longing to return to Egypt, they had already returned in their hearts, even though their bodies remained in the wilderness.

Acts 7:39-40
“Our ancestors refused to obey him. They rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt. They told Aaron, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses, who led us out of Egypt—we don’t know what has happened to him.’”

This is why none of those who grumbled and longed to return entered the land of Canaan—they all died in the wilderness. Why? Because while their bodies had left Egypt, their hearts remained there. And since the heart matters more than outward appearances, they perished in the wilderness without reaching their destination.

Another powerful example is Lot’s wife. Jesus Himself said, “Remember her” (Luke 17:32).

Lot’s wife had physically begun her journey out of Sodom. She had been saved and left her home behind peacefully and joyfully. Yet the Bible says that at a certain point, she looked back.

This shows that her thoughts, desires, and cravings still longed for Sodom. Perhaps she questioned Lot or even God: Why leave a good place for a bad one? For this one mistake—returning in her heart—she became a pillar of salt. Her body had left Sodom, but her heart remained there. The Bible reminds us that the heart speaks louder than outward appearances, and her attachment to the past led to her destruction.

These stories are not just for our entertainment or to make us sad. They were written so we can learn from them and avoid their mistakes.

1 Corinthians 10:6, 12
“These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. Therefore, whoever thinks they are standing firm should be careful that they don’t fall.”

Brothers and sisters, remember this: salvation is like starting your journey out of Egypt or Sodom. The world is often compared to Egypt and Sodom (Revelation 11:8). Therefore, we must leave Egypt not just physically, but also in our hearts—our desires, thoughts, and attitudes.

When we confess Jesus as Lord, we must reject the world both physically and spiritually. We must renounce indulgence, sexual immorality, bitterness, hatred—both in our bodies and in our hearts. Jesus warned:

Matthew 5:27-28
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

It is not enough to leave Egypt physically. If our hearts remain attached to lust, anger, or sin, we are still spiritually in Egypt, even if we claim to be on the way to Canaan. If we harbor hatred or resentment while thinking we are righteous, we are still spiritually dead, and our journey will be in vain.

If your heart remains in Egypt while your body leaves, nothing changes. You must truly leave Egypt—both body and heart. Living in the world while longing for heaven is not enough if you keep saying, “One day I will change, one day I will stop sinning, one day I will leave this or that behind.” That “one day” may never come. Salvation requires a deliberate, committed decision today, not a lukewarm attitude. Jesus said that lukewarm people will be spit out of His mouth (Revelation 3:15).

May the Lord help us to be truly saved, leaving Egypt and Sodom both physically and spiritually.

Maranatha!

Please share this good news with others.