Have you ever heard these questions being asked? Why should sex be only between married couples? Why is fornication and adultery such a big issue with God? If two consenting adults love each other, why can’t they have sexual intimacy? Perhaps you have asked those questions yourself. The more important question should be what is God’s intention is for sex? Have you ever heard questions like these? Why should sex be reserved for married couples? Why does God treat fornication and adultery as such serious matters? If two consenting adults love each other, why shouldn’t they enjoy sexual intimacy? Perhaps you’ve asked these questions yourself. But beneath all these questions lies a deeper one: What is God’s intention for sex? To explore that, we will examine 1 Corinthians 7:1 - 6 (NIV) 1 Now for the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” 2 But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. 3 The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4 The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. 5 Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6 I say this as a concession, not as a command. To understand the principles Paul teaches in this passage, we must first appreciate its cultural and historical context. The Corinthian believers came from a wide mix of cultural and philosophical backgrounds. One influential idea shaping their thinking was dualism—the belief that humans consist of body and spirit, with the spirit being superior and the body inferior. Some took this in one direction: the desires of the body were considered impure or even evil. Others went in the opposite direction: whatever they did with their bodies was irrelevant, because only the spirit mattered. This distorted thinking likely led certain women in the church to write to Paul, saying, “It is good for a man not to touch a woman.” They were referring to sexual intimacy. They believed they had risen above the need for sexual relations with their husbands. To them, participating in sexual intercourse was beneath their new “spiritual” identity. They even attempted to use Paul’s singleness as justification: Paul is an apostle and does not engage in sexual intimacy—so we are being spiritual like him! But this mindset created another serious problem. Husbands, deprived of sexual intimacy, began seeking it elsewhere—often with prostitutes, which was culturally acceptable in Corinth even for married men. These Christian husbands likely believed it was harmless because, in their dualistic thinking, what they did with their bodies had no impact on their spiritual lives. Same philosophy, different application. Can you imagine Paul’s frustration with this tangled, contradictory reasoning? With that background in mind, we will now examine several key issues Paul addresses—and consider how they apply to us today. SEXUAL INTIMACY WAS INTENDED FOR MARRIAGE ALONE 1 Corinthians 7:1-2 (NIV) “1 Now for the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” 2 But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband.” Paul makes an emphatic point: it is neither acceptable for married couples to withdraw from sexual intimacy nor to seek sexual fulfilment outside the marriage covenant. Husbands and wives are meant to enjoy healthy, regular sexual intimacy. Full stop. Why does Scripture place such weight on sexual intimacy within marriage? Because it goes back to God’s original intent. Let’s explore three key purposes. Sex was intended to facilitate the marriage union. When Adam was alone in the Garden, what did God do? Did He give Adam an animal companion—a dog or cat—to keep him company? Did He create another man and declare that to be just as good? Did He form a crowd of people and tell Adam to live in a free-for-all commune? Did He invent the internet so Adam could bond with a smartphone? None of these. Genesis 2:20 - 23 (NIV) 20 …But for Adam no suitable helper was found. 21 So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh. 22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. 23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” God created a woman—similar to Adam in countless ways, yet gloriously different. Formed from Adam himself. Imagine Adam’s awe: “She is like me—yet wonderfully unlike any other creature!” This woman was designed to be Adam’s counterpart, his complement, his partner, his helpmate. And Scripture continues in Genesis 2:24 (NIV) For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. The phrase “one flesh” is far more than a physical union. Leaving father and mother involves emotional, relational, and social separation from the family. To form a new family with his wife, to form a new intimacy. Becoming “one flesh” therefore means forming a holistic union—body, soul, and spirit. Paul reinforces this in Ephesians 5:31–32 (NIV) 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. The union of Christ with His Church encompasses spirit and soul, more than physical. This Christ-Church union is the basis for the husband-wife union. God intends marriage to be a threefold union of body, soul and spirit. Thus God intends marriage to be a threefold union of body, soul and spirit. As Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV) says, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Sex is therefore not merely physical. It is part of a larger, deeper joining of two persons. Sex is therefore not merely physical. It is part of a larger, deeper joining of two persons. C. S. Lewis captures this beautifully: "The monstrosity of sexual intercourse outside of marriage is that those who indulge in it are trying to isolate one kind of union (the sexual) from all the other kinds of union which were intended to go along with it and make up the total union." Sex was always meant to be part of a larger package—a connection that strengthens the entire marriage bond. Think of an old set of RCA plugs: yellow, red, and white. The connection is complete only when all three are properly joined. In marriage, the emotional and spiritual connections are joined—and sex completes the physical connection. In a healthy Christian marriage, their souls connect and unite. The husband and wife influence one another’s thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. Their spirits interact through their shared life in Christ and their closeness to one another. Sex deepens this connection. Though physical, it also touches the soul and spirit because of its intensity and vulnerability. This is why Christian counselling speaks of soul ties—connections formed through sexual intimacy, even in tragic situations like abuse. Something of one person becomes intertwined with the other. Now imagine the impact of multiple sexual partners or casual sexual encounters. It is like repeatedly joining and tearing apart a limb. Damage accumulates. Their capacity for deeper wholesome intimacy is progressively damaged. What some call “sexual conquest” is actually self-inflicted harm. Many people enter marriage emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and even physically wounded by past sexual experiences. They need healing. But when sexual intimacy is practised within God’s design, it strengthens and enriches the marriage bond. Sex was intended for procreation. One of the outcomes of sexual intimacy is procreation—though it is not the only purpose. Genesis 1:28 (NIV) God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it...” God designed sex to function within a beautiful context: the loving, committed covenant between a man and a woman. Through this most intimate act, God ordained the creation of new life. How fitting that the climax of marital love can result in a child—a love-child in the truest, godly sense. Within such a stable, complete family unit, children receive the best foundation to grow into whole, healthy adults. They, in turn, form their own families and continue the multiplication God intended. Sex was intended to reflect the glory of God. Ephesians 5:31 - 32 (NIV) 31“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” 32This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. The love between husband and wife—including sexual love—is intended to reflect something of the holy, profound intimacy between Christ and His Church. Our earthly marriages are meant to mirror the heavenly, glorious union between Christ and His Church. Marriage is a shadow, a signpost pointing toward a greater reality—the divine masterpiece of Christ’s covenant with His people. What we experience in marriage is not the ultimate; it is a foretaste of the union made in heaven. The love between husband and wife—including sexual love—is intended to reflect something of the holy, profound intimacy between Christ and His Church. Proverbs 5:18 - 19 (NIV) 18 May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. 19 A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love. This delight between lover and beloved is meant to echo the joy, devotion, and deep affection Christ has for His Church. This delight between lover and beloved is meant to echo the joy, devotion, and deep affection Christ has for His Church. Scott Hahn captures this beautifully: We desire intimacy, sexual union. We find it in other persons. But that desire points to a deeper desire, which only union with God can meet; and union with God proves to be deep intimacy, unimaginable ecstasy, infinite fulfilment of the desire to love and be loved, to give and receive totally, to become one with the other. Our vision of marital love—and of sexual intimacy—should therefore be shaped by this divine reality. Marriage is not merely a human arrangement; it is a living parable of God’s covenant love. Let this truth inspire every married couple, and every single person who hopes one day to enter marriage. SEXUAL INTIMACY IS A MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITY 1 Corinthins 7:3-4 (NIV) “3 The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4 The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife.” The emphasis is on willingness: each partner is called to give, not to demand; to offer themselves, not to wait for the other to initiate. Paul teaches that every married couple must take personal responsibility to fulfil their marital duties—including offering their bodies to one another in sexual intimacy. The emphasis is on willingness: each partner is called to give, not to demand; to offer themselves, not to wait for the other to initiate. Why is this so important? First, because love in marriage is meant to be self-giving. Sexual intimacy is one of the ways husbands and wives express that selfless love. Second, because marriage creates a new reality: two individuals are now joined as one. In God’s eyes, a married couple is no longer “me” and “you,” but us. Everything is shared—life, resources, responsibilities, and yes, even their bodies. Paul’s language reflects this profound truth. In marriage, our bodies are no longer solely our own; they belong to the union. Sexual intimacy is therefore not an act of personal ownership but of mutual giving, mutual honour, and mutual responsibility. SEXUAL INTIMACY SHOULD NOT BE MISUSED 1 Corinthians 7:5-6 (NIV) “ 5 Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6 I say this as a concession, not as a command.” Paul addresses two distortions of sexual intimacy. First, withholding sex to deprive one’s spouse. Second, Sexual immorality arising from lack of self-control. In both cases, sexual intimacy is misused—either by avoiding it or by seeking it outside God’s design. Let’s consider several forms of misuse. Sex is not a weapon. Sex must never be used to assert power or control over another person. Acts such as rape, sexual abuse, or sexual threats are violations of God’s design—and tragically, they can occur even within marriage. Sex should also never become a bargaining chip or a tool for manipulation. To weaponize sex is to take something sacred and twist it for selfish ends. God intended sexual intimacy to be part of a loving, giving relationship—freely offered and freely enjoyed. Sex is not a vehicle for pleasure. Sex was not designed merely as a pleasure-delivery system. When pleasure becomes the goal, disappointment follows. Sex was not designed merely as a pleasure-delivery system. When pleasure becomes the goal, disappointment follows. This is the hedonistic paradox: the more one chases pleasure for its own sake, the less pleasure one ultimately experiences. Those trapped in pornography addiction know this well. When sex is reduced to pleasure, performance becomes the obsession. The other person becomes an object to extract pleasure from. Over time, pleasure diminishes—and marriages suffer when sexual intimacy no longer “feels good enough.” But God designed pleasure to be a by-product, not the main pursuit. The more we embrace God’s intention for sex, the more genuine pleasure we discover. In a healthy marriage, sexual pleasure is richer because it is joined with the joy of giving, the joy of covenant love, and the joy of deep intimacy. Sex should be honoured and kept pure. Sexual purity matters deeply to God. Hebrews 13:4 (NIV) Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. Sex is meant to occur within an exclusive covenant—one man, one woman, joined in marriage. Just as Christ’s relationship with His Church is exclusive, so sexual intimacy must be exclusive. Outside marriage, chastity is God’s call. Sexual immorality wounds the soul. It damages our capacity for intimacy. It leaves scars. It undermines faithfulness and integrity. It destroys marriages. It contradicts the very nature of God. It insults His beautiful design for marriage and His ultimate purpose—the union of Christ and the Church. Because we understand God’s intentions for sex, let us keep our marriage beds pure. Let singles keep themselves pure, saving sexual intimacy for marriage. CONCLUSIONS Because God designed sexual intimacy with profound purpose: to unite husband and wife in a holistic, body‑soul‑spirit union to nurture and strengthen the marriage covenant to participate in God’s creative work through procreation to reflect the glory of Christ’s union with His Church to be mutually offered in love and responsibility, and to be honoured and kept pure— Our sex lives should honour God by reflecting God’s character. Self‑giving love, faithfulness, purity, and covenant commitment must shape how we understand and practice sexual intimacy. Our sex lives should honour God’s design for marriage. Sex is a sacred gift meant to flourish within the exclusive, lifelong union of husband and wife, strengthening their bond and pointing to the greater heavenly reality. Copyright©️2026 by Wilson Lim. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.

Some years ago, I stayed near a little creek and with a nice little stretch of trees. Many mornings I can hear the birds sing amongst the trees. What beautiful songs. Sometimes a bird or two may even perch on our windowsill or roof to sing. Although once a while they start singing at some unearthly hour in the morning! I wonder if sometimes they are singing songs of worship? Worship is so important because the Bible instructs us to worship God and God alone. Yet I would like to expand our perspective about worship. To help us understand that worship was intended by God to be a fundamental part of what we were created to do... ALL OF CREATION WAS CREATED TO WORSHIP Psalms 98:7-9 (NIV84) “7 Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. 8 Let the rivers clap their hands, 9 let them sing before the LORD… A question that arises is, “Surely not all of creation can worship? How can inanimate objects worship?” Surely it is simply poetic license to talk about the sea and rivers and everything in the world, as if they can worship? We can examine an incident when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey and all His followers were so excited and cried out “Hosanna. Hosanna! Your king is coming”. And the Pharisees were offended. Luke 19:39 - 40 (NIV) 39Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” 40“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Jesus was not using poetry then. Can you imagine stones clacking together and singing “Hosanna!”? Inanimate objects may not have thoughts and feelings to worship in the way we may understand, yet is it possible that God created all things such that there is a worshipful response to God’s Presence? Is it possible that God created all things such that there is a worshipful response to God’s Presence? For example, all materials have a resonance frequency where certain mechanical/acoustic vibrations, or electrical frequencies are amplified. Glass can break when certain frequency of sound hits it with enough energy. Even at the atomic level there is resonance when subjected to certain electro-magnetic frequencies. Perhaps there is a God frequency that triggers response from inanimate objects? Perhaps there is something about God’s Presence? Rev 5:13 (NIV) Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” I used to deal with this verse by saying every creature must mean humans in submarines, on aeroplanes and on land. But when I studied it deeper, it means literally every creature will worship God. From the eagles in the air, to the mice on the land to the starfish in the sea. And they are literally singing a song of honour and worship unto God. Now they may not sing it in human language – but they will sing the substance of worship. This is reinforced in another psalm. Psa 148:7 - 12 (NIV) 7 Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, 8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, 9 you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, 10 wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, 11 kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, 12 young men and maidens, old men and children. Louie Giglio from Passion City Church once demonstrated that even the heavens proclaim God by showing how music is emanating from the stars. He did this by converting the frequencies emitted into sound we can hear. How incredible. How amazing. How mind blowing! God created all things to worship Him! That brings us to the critical point to understand. WE WERE CREATED TO WORSHIP Psalms 98:7 (NIV84) “Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Notice that in v4 it talks about earth but in v7 it switches to world and it does the same in v9b “He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.” I believe that when the term world is used it is talking specifically about the human world – us. The same Hebrew word is used also in v7. We too are to worship. Just like the rest of creation, each one of us was created by God to worship, from the moment we were birthed from our mother’s womb. Each one of us was created by God to worship, from the moment we were birthed from our mother’s womb. Psa 8:2 (NIV) From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise... Worship is inherent in us. It has being inbuilt in us. We were designed to worship God. Worship is a longing deep in our hearts. Something should trigger in us when we are around God’s Manifest Presence. When we fail to truly worship God, we fail to discover one of our key purpose. Imagine if someone who had never seen music instrument picked up a violin. Not knowing what it is, they begin to swing it around like a bat. A violin is designed specifically to play beautiful music, not to a hit a ball. It would be a misuse of the violin to hit a ball with it. When we fail to truly worship God, we fail to reach our highest potential. Worship is inherent in us. Worship is a longing deep in our hearts. When we fail to truly worship God, we fail to reach our highest potential. One of the things that happens when we worship is something begins to realign in our souls and spirit. We touch God and God touches us deeply. Just like iron dust realign in the earth’s magnetic field to the north and south magnetic poles. That is why the psalmist was happiest to dwell in God’s presence. Psa 84:10 (NIV) Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. When we truly worship God, it brings us into a zone of fulfillment. Because that is what we were made for. You are created for worship! When we truly worship God, it brings us into a zone of fulfillment. CONCLUSION God created even the stones to worship. How much more would He have created you to worship. Will you offer back to God what He created you for? Will you walk in fulfilment of your destiny to be a worshipper? Will you realign your heart to worship God today? Copyright©️2026 by Wilson Lim. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.

Have you ever examined the paintings of artists thoughtfully? To understand what they like to paint and how they paint them? When we analyse their artistic work, it often gives clues to the artists. It reveals something of their personalities, preferences, interests and so forth. Similarly, when we see the handiwork of God, it reveals to us something about Him. Even divine miracles tell us so much about God. Divine miracles do not only serve their immediate purpose. It also reveals to us something about the nature of God. Often, we are very excited to see miracles in our midst. We want to see more of God’s divine action in our midst. Yet it is important for us to realise that divine miracles do not only serve their immediate purpose. But often it has higher purposes, God's purposes. It also reveals to us something about the nature of God. In understanding these, it may also help us understand why, at times, God does not intervene supernaturally or in the way we expect. Why does God intervene with divine miracles? From the passage of Joshua 4:15-5:1, I will unpack 5 aspects. Joshua 4:15–5:1 (NIV) 24 He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.” 1. BECAUSE HE IS A MIRACLE-WORKING GOD Joshua 4:15–19 (NIV) 15 Then the Lord said to Joshua, 16 “Command the priests carrying the ark of the covenant law to come up out of the Jordan.” 17 So Joshua commanded the priests, “Come up out of the Jordan.” 18 And the priests came up out of the river carrying the ark of the covenant of the Lord. No sooner had they set their feet on the dry ground than the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and ran at flood stage as before. The piling up of the River Jordan showed divine intervention. Exactly as God commanded the priests, at exactly the precise time they stepped out of the river, the water flowed again. At flood stage. It was not a coincidence. It was supernatural. It was a divine miracle. God is a miracle-working God. This divine act points to us several truths. a) God is above natural physical laws. God made the universe and set into motion the physical laws that govern the entire universe. God works with these natural laws, and He is quite happy to do so most of the time. Yet God Himself is not bound by any of those laws. Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV) ""Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you." Job 42:2 (NIV) ""I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted." God is above and beyond the natural physical laws. He is omnipotent. That is why God is not bound by time – He is eternal. That is why God is not bound by physical limitation – He can be anywhere at any time, at the same time. His knowledge is boundless. He is omniscient. In his very being, God is supernatural. He is not limited by natural laws. b) God can intervene in natural laws (v18) “…waters of the Jordan returned to their place and ran at flood stage as before.” God set up the physical laws of the universe, like gravity, entropy etc. Because those physical laws work well, God prefers to let them operate as they should most of the time. This is the same with every other principle, whether spiritual, social, or authority, etc. But God can and does intervene at times. God stopped the Jordan River from flowing. God can suspend gravity. God can stop the Earth’s motion around the sun as in Joshua 10:13. Yet it is just as easy for God to part the Red Sea as it is to heal a person of a cold. God did not have to exert Himself to part the Red Sea. It is all equally easy for Him! So when we ask God for miracles – it makes no difference whether He heals us from the flu or removes a terminal cancer. That’s why Jesus said in Matthew 17:20 (NIV) "He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."" It is not so much the size of our faith that matters. But so long as we have the right quality of faith. A faith that unwaveringly trusts God for it! So why does God intervene with divine miracles? Simply because He can! He is the Almighty God! 2. BECAUSE HE IS JEHOVAH-JIREH Joshua 4:19–23 (NIV) 19 On the tenth day of the first month the people went up from the Jordan and camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho. 20 And Joshua set up at Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken out of the Jordan. 21 He said to the Israelites, “In the future when your descendants ask their parents, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 22 tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ 23 For the Lord your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The Lord your God did to the Jordan what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. God provided for the Israelites’ need to cross the Jordan River to get to the Promised Land. He made sure it was fully accomplished. Why would God do that? Because God, in his character, is the Provider. That is why He is known as Jehovah Jireh. Just as when God provided a sacrificial ram in place of Isaac. Genesis 22:14 (NIV) "So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide..." a) God provides for our needs. God is a compassionate God whose heart is to provide for us at our point of need. Indeed, Jesus often healed out of compassion. God wants to provide for our needs - whatever the need might be, so long as it is genuine. He promises in Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) "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." I am not referring to wants, preferences and such. God does not want to spoil us! Although in God’s mercy and abundance of heart, He does at times provide those as well. Just as good fathers want to be providers for their family. God provides for His family. Often, God provides for us by helping us understand universal principles of prosperity and blessings. Yet at times, in making sure He provides for us, God intervenes with miracles. Years ago, there was a woman in Bangkok who suffered from HIV. It caused her tremendous difficulty, for it was before there was any HIV medication. The senior pastor prayed for her again and again. At first, nothing happened, then one day she was miraculously healed. The doctors could not find any traces of it. There was no way that she could be healed unless God intervened. b) God provides for our obedience. The Israelites were not just having a need met in crossing the River Jordan. But they were doing so in obedience to God’s instructions. God not only provides for our needs, but He is especially eager to provide for our obedience. God does miraculously intervene to help us move another step further in our obedience. God will give us extra support to fulfil His purposes! Abraham was enabled by God to have a child in his old age, as revealed in Hebrews 11:11 (NIV) "By faith Abraham, even though he was past age--and Sarah herself was barren--was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise." When we set out to pioneer a group for God as instructed by Him, be assured that He will provide! When we reach out to touch the hearts of the lost and hurt, He will provide! When we seek to touch our community, He will provide! When we give by faith towards God's work, He will provide! God provides for His people, especially when they are walking in obedience. Throughout Scripture, we see God provides for His people, especially when they are walking in obedience. Are we walking in obedience today? 3. BECAUSE HE IS GLORIFIED IN HIS POWER Joshua 4:24 (NIV) He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.” a) God demonstrates His glory that we might have faith. The manifestation of God’s power leads to glory for God. God’s revealing of His glory is not for showing off. It has a higher purpose. It serves to help us realise how awesome He is – that we might place our faith in Him. Many unbelievers turn to God once they realise that God is more powerful than any gods they worship. We have heard of many witches and warlords who turn to Christ after they realise how infinitely more powerful God is. None of their witchcraft can hinder God’s power. God overrules them easily. b) God is glorified in our weaknesses. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." It is in our weaknesses that the power of our miracle-working God can be revealed. In such times, God can be glorified. God could have given them ferries or boats to cross the river. But that would not have given much glory to God. In the miracle, it was obvious that God intervened. That is why we must give honour to God for His divine miracles and blessings! Don’t ever rob God of His glory! 4. BECAUSE HE IS TO BE FEARED ABOVE ALL ELSE Joshua 4:15–5:1 (NIV) He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.” a) We are to fear God. In much modern preaching, the concept of fearing God has been diluted. In reaction to the excesses of fears driven by ignorance, modern society has sought to reject all irrational fears. Of course, non-believers and liberal theologians consider the fear of God as part of this as well. Hence, there are preachers who emphasise the love of God, the mercy of God, the gentleness of God and de-emphasise the holiness of God, the judgment of God, the wrath of God! We totally agree that all irrational fears should be dealt with. Fears that are not based on fact. Do we still have irrational fears? Who is afraid of rats? Who is afraid of heights? Who is afraid of enclosed places? God is to be feared because He is a holy God who will deal with sin! Irrational fear of God or fearing God due to ignorance must be addressed. Nevertheless, there remains the fact that God is to be reverentially feared! Isaiah 8:13 (NIV) "The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread…" The word “dread” has the nuance “terrified”! When was the last time we were terrified of God? God is to be feared because He is a holy God who will deal with sin! 1 Peter 1:17 (NIV) "Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear." Believers who deliberately walk out of God’s grace will be judged by God. Romans 11:20-22 (NIV) "20 Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. 22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off." God is to be feared because He will judge our souls! Jesus said in Matthew 10:28 (NIV) "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." Jonathan Edwards had a powerfully convicting sermon entitled “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” in which he laid bare the danger of sinners falling into God’s angry hands. For example, in Acts 21: 21-23 is recorded the judgment of God upon King Herod.. b) So our fears would not be misplaced. Most people have fears of various kinds. And we allow those fears to rule our lives, even more than the fear of God. For example, our fear of how our mates think of us, so we compromise to please them. Or our fear of lack so we trust our finances more than God. But if we truly fear God above all else, then we would obey Him! If we truly fear God above all else, then we would obey Him! The ultimate way is to love God! Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV) "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." But when our love for God is not that hot! Then the fear of God has an important role to play! Do we love to be law-abiding citizens? Or do we fear the long arm of the law? Our love for being law-abiding may not be great! But at least, because we fear the consequences of breaking the law, we will not break it! God wants us to fear Him above all else. 5. BECAUSE HE IS JEHOVAH NISSI Joshua 5:1 (NIV) Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the Lord had dried up the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted in fear and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites. The people in the land of Canaan became afraid once they realised that the Israelites had an awesome God. It became evident that Jehovah was the source of victory for the Israelites. To the Israelites, God was their banner of victory. The Jehovah Nissi. This title was proclaimed after the Israelites won the battle against the Amalekites. Where Joshua overcame, as Moses interceded by holding up his staff. Exodus 17:15 (NIV) "Moses built an altar and called it The LORD is my Banner." God is to be our victory banner. God will move miraculously to grant us victory. Years ago, our churches in Thailand were persecuted by certain authorities. Of the 3 top policemen in the nation, 2 actively persecuted the church. Both were removed some time later. But the one who did not persecute the church remained. God is the victorious banner over His people. Others will recognise God’s support, as we are God’s chosen people. Isaiah 45:2 (NIV) "I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron." When we stay close to God, He will be our victory over the most difficult circumstances. When we stay close to God, He will be our victory over the most difficult circumstances. We need not be overcomed. He is our Jehovah Nissi. CONCLUSION Divine miracles reveal God for who He is. God acts out of who He is. This gives us tremendous assurance in following Him. Copyright©️2026 by Wilson Lim. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.

Reflections Wilson Lim 5 August 2026 Seeking God’s Priority in Giving God challenges us to help meet needs. But how much? As there are needs everywhere. 
 Here are some thoughts. It is important to assess needs based on level of importance. Between what is urgent and what is important. If we fail to distinguish between the two, we are in danger of being constantly pushed to meet the urgent needs of others. 
 Unfortunately, it is usually the “Squeaky wheel gets the oil” syndrome that occurs. Sometimes certain people with needs cry out louder and more urgently and end up getting a disproportionate amount of attention. But if not wisely managed, can end up exhausting all our resources. There may well be others who need your help too. But they can get side lined because they don’t voice their needs loudly enough. And their needs may be the greater one. 
 In assessing which is more important, consider which leads to greater benefit to all in the longer–term. We should consider God’s priority as we attempt to work out this balance. Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Recent Posts See All Is It Worth the Argument? Seeking God’s Priority in Giving What Will You Fight For? Who Are You Imitating? Compelled by Christ’s Love

Reflections Wilson Lim 5 August 2026 Who Are You Imitating? Michael Jackson was a music visionary. He was famous not only for his songs but his dance moves. Some of his moves such as moon walk or slide circle are some of the most imitated steps in the world. So many people try to sing like him or dance like him. He was imitated because people thought he was cool. 
 As I thought about how much people desire to imitate him, it made me think how much do we desire to imitate the One who is really important? How do we desire to imitate Christ Himself? Michael Jackson might dance better than Jesus but no one lived a life better than Jesus. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV) “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” Our reverence for God may be expressed in our heart worship and heart orientation, but we demonstrate the genuineness of our devotion by our sincere efforts to be like Him. Just as those devoted to Michael Jackson, imitate him! Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Recent Posts See All Is It Worth the Argument? Seeking God’s Priority in Giving What Will You Fight For? Who Are You Imitating? Compelled by Christ’s Love

Episodes Not Found Search using single words or Boolean operators AND/OR i.e. "God AND faith” ALL Leadership Prophetic Intercession Button 4 Aug 2026 | Updraft: Posturing to be lifted by God Ever watch a bird soar without flapping? It finds the thermal and lets the air carry it higher. What if that’s how God wants you to lead? Stop striving in your own strength and start leaning into His updraft. When God goes first, doors open, walls fall, and your soul finds real rest. L067 Wilson Lim Leadership Button 21 Jul 2026 | Personal intercession (Part 2) Personal intercessors quietly shape history by partnering with God in the lives of others. They pray regularly, write down what the Holy Spirit shows them—scriptures, dreams, impressions, warnings—and wait for God’s timing before sharing anything. The more God can trust your integrity, pursuit of holiness, and heart of submission, the more He will entrust you with His heart for others. I031 Lai Ling Intercession Button 7 Jul 2026 | Spiritual Leadership with Dr Brendan Kirby Spiritual leadership isn’t just about ability – it’s about character, obedience, and intimacy with God. In this interview, Dr Brendan Kirby shares how prayer, fasting, and praying in tongues (even in your heart) build spirituality and strengthen leaders for spiritual warfare and kingdom impact. L066 Wilson Lim Leadership Button 16 Jun 2026 | Developing in Discernment (Part 2) Spiritual discernment develops over time as we learn to walk closely with Jesus, stay anchored in the Word, and remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Discernment is not superstition or fear; it is a Spirit-led way of living that helps us move with wisdom, peace, and confidence in God’s truth. P030 Lai Ling Prophetic Button 3 Jun 2026 | Adaptive Leadership: Qualities Of Situational Leadership (Part 2) True leadership isn’t measured by how much a leader does, but by how much their people are growing. Situational Leadership challenges us to move beyond a “one‑size‑fits‑all” style and learn to lead with intention, clarity, and flexibility. When leaders clearly define goals, honestly assess readiness, and adjust their approach, they release the potential of every follower. This is how God develops mighty men and women from the most unexpected places. L065 Wilson Lim Leadership Button 19 May 2026 | Personal Intercessors (Part 1) Leaders need our prayers and intercession more than we often realize. God appoints personal intercessors to stand in the gap for pastors, missionaries, spiritual leaders, and those in government—carrying confidential burdens, divine wisdom, and God’s will into the throne room. These intercessors help protect, provision, and guide leadership through spiritual wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Colossians 1:9 reminds us to pray that leaders be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. When we intercede, we become God’s hands lifting up His anointed so they walk clearly in His direction, not in human opinion. I030 Lai Ling Intercession Button 5 May 2026 | Adaptive Leadership For Varying Situations (Part 1) Why One-Size-Fits-All Leadership Fails: Adaptive Leaders Flex between high-control Telling, persuasive Selling, collaborative Participating to trust-based Delegating modes. Learn some practical insights to diagnose readiness & accelerate follower growth from insecurity to ownership. Discover more in this podcast. L064 Wilson Lim Leadership Button 22 Apr 2026 | Developing In Discernment (Part 1) True spiritual sensing—as taught in 1 Corinthians 12—empowers believers to distinguish between the Holy Spirit's work, demonic influences, human spirits, and heavenly beings. Unlike natural intuition, which analyzes emotions or interpersonal dynamics, this is God's supernatural gift, revealing spiritual realities beyond the surface. Discover more in this prophetic podcast! P029 Lai Ling Prophetic Button 7 Apr 2026 | Signs and Wonders with Dr. Jerry Stott (Part 2) Exhausted after 5 days of teaching, Ps Jerry fell asleep during worship—woke to preach, whispered "Lord, touch them," and the entire hall collapsed under God's power. Even the watching nuns! A healing line he was too tired for? Every single person healed. When we're weak, He's strong. L063 Wilson Lim Leadership Button 17 Mar 2026 | Intercessors Contending For Spiritual Births Intercessors are God's spiritual midwives—standing in the gap, labouring in prayer until lost souls cross from darkness into His marvellous light. 'I planted, Apollos watered, but God causes the growth' (1 Cor 3:6-7). Who's God calling you to contend for today? I029 Lai Ling Intercession 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ... 13 Your generosity helps further our mission to equip leaders. Ask us anything related to our ministry focuses. Ask Us Subscribe for updates! Be the first to hear about new podcast episodes, blog posts, and more!