Before God uses your hands, He checks your house. Insights from Exodus 4:24-26
📅 August 10, 2025 | 📍 Living Waters Chapel – Kamulu
Introduction
Last Sunday (10th August 2025), I had the privilege of sharing God’s word at Living Waters Chapel – Kamulu. Hosted by the gracious Bishop Bernard Warui and a warm, lively congregation. Here is a link to the sermon.
My family and a couple of dear friends joined me. And from the first hymn to the last handshake, we felt right at home.
The message?
A simple but weighty truth. Before God uses your hands, He checks your house.
We journeyed through Exodus 4:24–26, where God nearly took Moses’ life. Not because of Pharaoh’s opposition, but because Moses had neglected to lead spiritually at home.
A Father, a Roof Rack, and a Wake-up Call
We began with a light-hearted reflection on habits we pick from our parents. Mine was how I caught my dad’s habit of drinking hot tea, without burning the tongue! 😜
Then shared to another ‘good’ dad, but sobering story.
It was about Mike, a well-meaning father who packed balloons, a bouquet, and chocolate into his car for Mother’s Day. Yet, he drove off with his baby still on the roof!
The child survived. But the story became a picture of how easy it is for us to be publicly thoughtful but privately neglectful.
God’s reminder to Moses, and to us, is clear. Family should not be left behind or vulnerable, while you pursue ministry, career, or ambition.
Three Core Calls from the Message
1. God Checks the House Before He Uses the Hands
Before confronting Pharaoh, Moses had to tackle unfinished business at home. God’s leaders, whether pastors, parents, or presidents, are first tested in their living rooms.
Like Abraham (Genesis 18:19) and Joshua (Joshua 24:15), we are called to model faith at home. We must do this before declaring it to the world.
2. Circumcise Your Children’s Hearts Before Conquering the World
Circumcision, in biblical terms, symbolized sensitivity, purity, and identity in God.
Today, the call is to cut away spiritual dullness in our families by teaching and living God’s word. Our children are our first disciples. Their spiritual formation isn’t the Children’s Church responsibility.
Nelson Mandela once confessed his greatest regret. It was neglecting his own family while serving the nation.
‘To be the father of a nation is a great honor. Yet, to be the father of a family brings a greater joy. But it was a joy I had far little of.’ Long Walk to Freedom
We, too, must avoid winning in public but losing at home.
3. When Men Hesitate, Women Must Step In
When Moses stalled, Zipporah acted. When Barak shrank back, Deborah rose.
Sometimes, women are called to carry roles men were meant to bear.
But God’s design is for men to lead with courage and humility at home. And when they falter, may women step in, not with resentment, but with grace.
Key Takeaways to Live By:
✅ Your home is your first pulpit.
✅ Don’t outsource parenting.
✅ Teach by precept and practice.
✅ Women, thank you for stepping up when men falter.
✅ Godly legacy starts in private, not public.
A Note of Gratitude
Bishop Warui, thank you for your warm reception.
Your generous hospitality is greatly appreciated. Thank you for entrusting me with the pulpit at Living Waters Chapel. Your congregation’s openness and hunger for the Word made the message land in fallow ground, ready to bear fruit.
We enjoyed the blend of timeless hymns and vibrant contemporary worship. We loved the laughter in the service. The deep, God-centered conversations were also enjoyable.
This wasn’t just a preaching engagement. It was fellowship at its best.
Reflection for Readers…
What habits are your children picking up from you? Both the ones you intend and the ones you don’t? If interested, you can:
- Watch the sermon on YouTube
- Read the sermon transcript
#RootedAndBuiltUpInChrist #FamiliesRooted #FirstPulpitAtHome #GodChecksTheHouse #ParentingWithPurpose #LivingWatersChapelKamulu #BishopWarui #SermonNotes #KenyaChurchLife #ParentingGodsWay
Joseph Ngaara is inspired by people’s life experiences. Do you have an intriguing life story and need to share your triumph or tragedy? Email: j.mungai@hotmail.co.uk
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Wow…thank you so much Pastor Joseph for allowing God to use you to be a blessing to us. It was such a blessing to host you and your friends and for sure, we were greatly impacted. Looking forward to more fellowship and joint ministry.