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There is a wide variety of churches, ministries, and Christian organisations. A key question is: how do we support them? How do we support their staff? How do we support visiting ministries? On one hand, some appear to receive very large salaries or financial support — though in reality this group is quite small. On the other hand, many more receive inadequate support, and some struggle significantly. Their proportion is far greater than it ought to be. Throughout Church history, this has been a major issue. Many views and approaches have emerged regarding how to support such workers, whom I refer to as Kingdom workers. Even in the Apostle Paul’s time, it was already a matter he needed to address. My hope is that God’s people will better understand the key biblical principles related to this area. The passage of 1 Corinthians 9:1–18 offers us important insights. RECOGNISING KINGDOM WORKERS 1 Corinthians 9:1 - 18 (NIV) 1Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord? 2Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. 3This is my defense to those who sit in judgment on me. In this part of the epistle, Paul began a passionate defence of his calling as an apostle. Although Paul founded the church in Corinth, there were some within who were questioning whether Paul was truly an apostle. Some argued that Paul was not as eloquent as apostles like Apollos or Peter, believing he lacked the charisma or wisdom they assumed an apostle should possess. In other words, Paul did not “tickle their ears” the way they were accustomed to in the philosophical arenas. Paul addresses some of this in 1 Corinthians 1–4. Others reasoned that Paul was not associated with Jesus in the way the original twelve apostles were, and therefore questioned how he could have been chosen as an apostle. This likely prompted Paul to emphasise that he had seen Jesus on the road to Damascus — a statement many Christians today mistakenly treat as a criterion for apostleship. Others felt that since Paul did not depend on their donations as others did, he must somehow be of a lesser standing than them. Perhaps he is not an apostle! It is important to identify genuine Kingdom workers, especially if we are to support them. In effect, the Corinthian believers were struggling to recognise Kingdom workers, particularly Paul. It is important to identify genuine Kingdom workers, especially if we are to support them. To recognise them appropriately, we can draw several key thoughts from this passage. Consider their calling (v1a): “Am I not an apostle?” Is there evidence of God’s call upon their lives for the ministry role? Consider their relationship with Christ (v1b): “Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?” Is there clear evidence of their ongoing relationship and allegiance to God? Be cautious of those who appear to serve God but are ultimately serving themselves. Consider their fruits of ministry (v1c): “Are you not the result of my work in the Lord?” One way to recognise a person’s calling is to carefully examine the biblical fruits of their labour. An evangelist will win souls. A prophet will discern God’s voice and speak prophetically. A pastor will shepherd the people. A teacher will teach effectively. An apostle will establish and grow churches, and oversee other churches. Is the fruit leading to godliness and righteousness rather than the opposite? Are the church and ministry staff truly advancing God’s work? Consider their ministry recognition (v2): “Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.” Here we see the issue of recognition. Are they recognised by other ministries? Do other fivefold ministers affirm their calling and role? Will others vouch for their ministry — their faithfulness and devotion to God? These are some key questions we can ask. RIGHT OF SUPPORT Paul began to outline reasons why both he and Barnabas were deserving of support from the Corinthian church. From this we can determine a number of key principles. Fairness in treatment (v4-5) “4Don’t we have the right to food and drink? 5Don’t we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas?” Those who are equally deserving should receive similar treatment, similar support. Peter (Cephas) and other apostles, even Jesus’ brothers, were receiving support when they came to Corinth to minister. Even Peter’s wife received support as she travelled with him. Hence, it is only fair to expect the same treatment for Paul and Barnabas. The principle of fairness should apply in support. Those who are equally deserving should receive similar treatment, similar support. There should not be favouritism. Rather, we should be discerning of their personal circumstances and provide a fair level of support. In our church, we consider the size of the congregation that is ministered to, as the larger the congregation, usually the larger its financial capacity. We consider the time the minister is likely to invest in the preparation, the actual ministry times, the total time away including travel required, etc. We consider whether the minister is an itinerant minister, as they are more dependent on the income they receive from the ministry. Common practice as common sense (v6-7) “6Or is it only I and Barnabas who must work for a living? 7Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk?” No soldier fights at his own expense. Imagine if soldiers are told, “Pay for your own gun and ammunition, own protective vests, own boots!” At one time, the sad reality was Australian soldiers bound for Afghanistan had to buy some of their own gear because they did not trust the army-issued versions. It is simply common sense that workers are covered for the costs of the work, receive some personal returns for their efforts. Just as farmers can eat from their produce or shepherds drink of their flock’s milk, Paul argues that it is simply common sense that workers are covered for the costs of the work, receive some personal returns for their efforts. Hence leaders such as Paul and Barnabas have the right to receive support from the Corinthian church since they established it, guide and continue to minister to it. The principle we derive is that if one contributes significantly to the well-being or operation of an organisation, it is fair to be supported. If one is hired to do a job, they should be paid accordingly. Paul then proceeds to expound Scriptural principles… Support from the ministry (v8-14) “8Do I say this merely from a human point of view? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing? 9For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned? 10Surely he says this for us, doesn’t he? Yes, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they ought to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. 11If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? 12If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. 13Don’t you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? 14In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” Paul quoted Deuteronomy 25:4 (NIV) “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain”. The context is probably where an ox is rented to tread a farmer’s grains. Some farmers mistreat the ox by not allowing it to feed on their grain. Because they could not care less about the conditions for the ox that they rented. “Let it go hungry!” Have you ever found that when people borrow or rent something, they tend to treat it less carefully? Take my books, for example. I’m quite a particular person when it comes to books. I treat them lovingly. My books usually look pristine — crisp pages, clean edges, no bends, no bruises. And if I ever underline anything, it’s done with a ruler, slowly and carefully, like a man performing delicate surgery. So you can imagine my reaction when people borrow my books and return them with dog‑ears. Some even underline them — with terrible, wavy, earthquake lines! It’s as if the book went out for a peaceful stroll and came back from a battlefield. I’ve had to learn to live with that nowadays. Especially since my wife, Lai Ling, is the complete opposite. She dog‑ears without hesitation. She underlines all over the place. She treats books like living companions, not fragile artefacts. And God — with His gentle humour — uses this to grow me out of my preciousness. Out of my tight grip on neatness and control. He uses dog‑ears and wavy underlines to teach me patience, humility, and grace. Those involved in God’s work deserve support from the ministry itself. So God says, “Treat the ox right. Treat the owner of the ox rightly by allowing the ox to eat from what it treads.” Paul made the point that those involved in God’s work deserve support from the ministry itself. Especially if they have no other income source. Indeed, God designed the temple ministry to cater for the priests' needs. In the Old Testament, tithes and offerings were given to God in terms of foodstuffs and livestock. A portion was burnt, sacrificed unto God, but the remainder was for the priests so they could live off it. In the church, if we have been spiritually blessed, we should bless in return. In the same way, in the church, if we have been spiritually blessed, we should bless in return. Galatians 6:7 (NIV) “Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.” Paul also referred to the instruction that Jesus gave in Luke 10:7 (NIV) “…the worker deserves his wages” So church staff, ministry staff, people who establish their own ministries, etcetera, have a right to receive appropriate support from it. Of course, the support should be within the organisation’s means. The ox cannot eat more grain than it has trodden! Those who have greater responsibilities and bigger roles should be compensated/supported accordingly. Just as in the temple, the Aaronic priests receive a greater portion compared to the Levitical priests. This recognises that some roles require much more experience, expertise and responsibilities. Honour God’s servants (v11-12a) “11If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? 12If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more?” Part of the reason why this whole passage was written was because the Corinthian church failed to honour Paul as a servant of God. There were segments in the church who were critical of Paul, dishonouring him. Paul also wanted to set the biblical perspective as it impacts their treatment of other ministries. When we honour God’s servants rightly, we honour He who sent them. One critical key is that we should honour God’s servants. When we honour God’s servants rightly, we honour He who sent them. 1 Thessalonians 5:12 - 13 (NIV) “12 Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.” Honour can be demonstrated in a wide range of ways. Financial support is only one of the key ways. Honour is demonstrated by the way we love them, encourage them, pray for them, lend a hand, speak well of them, etc. Honour is due to all of God’s servants, and there is a rightful place for giving double honour to those who serve their role faithfully and well. Honour is due to all of God’s servants, and there is a rightful place for giving double honour to those who serve their role faithfully and well. In other words, excellence should be recognised with extra honour. 1 Timothy 5:17 - 18 (NIV) 17The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” Again, this can be shown in a variety of ways. But the key is to express it tangibly, so it is obvious to be double honour, so that they are encouraged, affirmed for a job well done, etc. As an example, our family of churches in Malaysia expressed double honour to the national leader Ps. Simon by buying him a car some years ago. RESTRAINING THE RIGHT OF SUPPORT (v12b, 15-18) “But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. 15But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me. I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of this boast. 16Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. 18What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make use of my rights in preaching it.” After Paul’s extensive efforts to argue for the right of support, he turns around and declares that he has no intention of exercising those rights. Why? Firstly, he was willing to forego such support if it might hinder the Gospel in any way. Hence, he operated as a tent-maker. I did the same, working as a research scientist while pioneering this church as a volunteer for about 5 years before I went part-time – so as not to burden the church. Secondly, he was willing, even eager, to preach the Gospel voluntarily. To Paul, there were greater rewards than the material support he could have received. The greater reward was the satisfaction of offering the Gospel at no cost to the Corinthian church. Paul did something counter-cultural to the times and context of Corinth. To tangibly demonstrate this truth: the Gospel is free. The Gospel is freely available because of God’s grace. Paul chose to present it freely to the Corinthian church. To tangibly drive home the point that the Gospel was truly free. Thirdly, Paul knew that his relationship with the church was fragile. Hence, he did not want to strain it further. Now, the other apostles did not choose to do it that way. We know this because they received material support. And in fact, Paul did willingly receive support from other churches and individuals at other times. 2 Corinthians 11:8 - 9 (NIV) “8 I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. 9 And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so.” We know he received support from the Philippian church instead. Philippians 4:15 - 16 (NIV) “15 … in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.” On the practical front, we must remember that Paul was single and had no family to support. So, it was much easier for him to live only on a very small income. So now we have 2 main principles. Firstly, the right of a Kingdom worker to receive appropriate support for their ministry. Those who receive the ministry should take responsibility to provide appropriate support to honour them, both materially and in other relevant ways. The sad thing is, I have seen churches expect Kingdom workers to make all the sacrifices, to live by faith. But the church itself fails to live out its faith by honouring its Kingdom workers by giving and blessing them. The consequence is that the Kingdom worker faces more personal stress having to cope financially. Sadly, I know of children of pastors who are turned away from ministry because they experienced firsthand how poorly their parents were treated. Secondly, the Kingdom worker should consider restraining from receiving such support – if it hinders the effectiveness of propagating the Gospel. Self-sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. It is by this attitude that we know whether one is truly a Kingdom worker. Sadly, we all know of Christian leaders who take all they can receive, earning enormous amounts. My conviction is that once we can live adequately and provide for our family, we really do not need much more. Can we be generous and give it to others instead who are in greater need? Give it to further the ministry? I am so inspired by the example Ps Rick Warren of Saddleback Church. When his books became famous, and he earned millions from it, what did he do? He repaid his church all the salary it had ever paid him. I believe it was more than 20 years of salary. CONCLUSIONS I want to honour all who serve God’s church and make sacrifices in their income. As God’s people, we must recognise and honour those who do so. Those who have been blessed by their ministry should do our best to provide them with appropriate support so they can continue to serve the Lord without facing undue financial stress. 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.

Often people do not experience the power of God because they lack true faith. God is looking for faith in people’s hearts. When there is faith, God responds. At times, in greater ways than we expected. Consider the story of the paralysed man and his friends that took unusual steps to bring him to Jesus in Mark 2:1–3 (NIV84) 1 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. These men came to Jesus with faith, and it unlocked an unexpected response from Jesus. From this narrative, we discover 3 things that occur when we have faith. 1. RECEIVES GOD’S FAVOUR Mark 2:4-5 (NIV84) 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” When Jesus saw them, what was His response? He called the paralytic “son”. A term that indicated warmth and favour. If some men broke through the roof of my house, I might call them a few things, but definitely not “son”. I would not view them favourably. This emphasised how deeply Jesus was impressed by their actions. What was it about them that Jesus viewed favourably? Jesus saw their humility. They were humble enough to admit that they needed help and sought for help. They knew that they could not solve their problem by their own efforts. Only Jesus could help their friend. So, they acted in the only way they knew to get to Jesus. Even if meant breaking through roofs. It takes humility to ask for help. How many of us avoid asking for help, because it was too embarrassing to ask for it! We may not be physically handicapped like the man, but we may be emotionally, mentally, socially or spiritually handicapped in some way. Yet often we may be too proud to admit it. We might be having a dull pain of loneliness or insecurity, but we hide it and appear cool. We might even try drowning ourselves with alcohol or drugs. Only to wake up in the morning with a big hangover and still the same hole in our hearts. I know of those who look like they have it all together. They have the looks, the brains, the personality. But inside they are a mess! Will we humble ourselves enough to recognize we need help, just like the paralysed man? And turn to God? God favours those who are willing to humble themselves. Isa 66:2 (NIV84) … "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, ..." God favours those who are willing to humble themselves. Jesus saw their determination. When the 4 men saw the huge crowd around the house, they knew there was little hope of their friend getting the attention he needed from Jesus. How in world would they even get close to Jesus? That was when they got a brilliant idea to jump the queue. Doing so meant getting through every obstacle. So they lifted their friend on a mat up to the roof. Then they dug through the roof itself. Most likely the roof was made of a thick layer of compacted earth over a rough wooden ceiling. This wooden ceiling probably was framed by trimmed tree trunk beams upon which close fitting smaller branches were laid. Strong enough for men to walk upon. These men dug through the earth layer, pulled out the branches to open an area large enough to fit their friend lying on a mat through it. A considerable effort! The queue jumpers got an F for courtesy but an A+ for determination. They would not take a “No” for an answer! Jesus was impressed with their determination, their doggedness. They needed help and they were going to get it. True faith is characterized by its determination to obtain an answer from God. True faith is characterized by its determination to obtain an answer from God. Jesus saw their faith for healing. So certain was their faith in Jesus’ ability to heal their friend, they literally broke through every barrier to get to Jesus. The Bible makes it clear that faith is a critical ingredient that pleases God. Heb 11:6 (NIV84) "And without faith it is impossible to please God…" It was not just an intellectual faith but a faith that truly trusts by taking action. 2. RECEIVES SOLUTIONS TO REAL NEEDS Since Jesus had favour upon these men and the paralysed man, what did Jesus do? Mark 2: 5 (NIV84) When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Imagine the poor paralysed man and his friends who went through the huge effort to get to Jesus, expecting to receive miraculous healing. He came to be healed physically, but Jesus dealt with his spiritual problem. Perhaps the man must be thinking, “Excuse me? I can’t walk! Nice to be forgiven my sins, but I still can’t walk!” We often seek for solutions to our perceived needs. But those needs may not be our real or greatest needs. It could be imagined needs. “If only I had more money or more time. If only I was more beautiful, had a better body shape. If only I can speak better. If only I had more friends.” It is like taking Panadol for brain tumour. Or it could be secondary problems. Dealing with our flu when we have cancer. We live in a society that seeks the quick fix. If we have problem in our relationships, just read Relationship for Dummies or check on YouTube for latest advice. If we have depression, just pop this pill or read “5 easy steps to overcome depression”. But Jesus is more interested in dealing with the deeper, main problem first. Which is sin. Sin is shown by our selfishness, self-centeredness. Isa 53:6 (NIV84) "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; ..." Sin is the root of most problems in our lives and in this world today. It can only be dealt with properly when people repent and turn to God, and to follow Him. Then God will forgive us. The paralysed man had true faith in God and because Jesus saw it in his heart, He had mercy on him and forgave his sins. Those with true faith will often receive more than they asked for. God may answer by dealing with our greater needs first. Those with true faith will often receive more than they asked for. God may answer by dealing with our greater needs first. 3. RECEIVES THE TOUCH OF GOD Some teachers of the law, religious scholars, were upset with Jesus forgiving the man’s sins. “How can Jesus forgive anyone their sins? Only God can! It goes against all our theology.” Mark 2:6-7 (NIV84) 6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” An incorrect worldview can be a great hindrance to receiving what God has to say or do! Ever noticed that there were no Pharisees or teachers of the law who were healed by Jesus? Jesus immediately knew what was going on in their hearts. And He challenged their thinking. An incorrect worldview can be a great hindrance to receiving what God has to say or do! Mark 2:8-12 (NIV84) 8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins….” He said to the paralytic, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” Jesus demonstrated that He had the power to forgive sins by healing the paralysed man miraculously. Jesus sought true faith and he saw it in those men. God is delighted to find true faith and moves in response to it. Ps. Jerry Stott, a friend of mine, recalled an incident when he was called to a hospital because a church member’s brother was on life-support. This young man, a husband and father, was unconscious, barely alive. The doctors were quite certain he would not make it. Ps. Jerry started to make a simple prayer for his soul when suddenly he heard God say, “I will raise him on the third day.” Shocked, he asked God to confirm with a sign, that the man’s eyes would open. Right at the moment, the man opened his eyes! Ps. Jerry decided he had to rise up in faith to trust God. So he informed the man’s family not to take the man off the life support and that God will heal him on the third day. Ps. Jerry then went off on a planned family vacation. When he returned a few weeks later, he discovered that the dying man sat up and was completely healed on the third day. The man and his family even came to join Ps. Jerry’s church. God intervenes, when there is true faith. God intervenes, when there is true faith CONCLUSION True faith is when we are willing to trust in God fully. God delights in such faith. He will respond to us favourably. He will even provide us more than we ask. God will touch us, even miraculously. Shall we rise up and be found with true faith? 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.

Plastic surgery is booming today. People line up to have fat removed, features reshaped, and unwanted parts cut away. They willingly submit to the surgeon’s knife because they believe the change will set them free. The Bible never speaks about plastic surgery, of course. But it does speak about removing something from our bodies through circumcision. The Old Testament spoke not only of the physical act, but also of the deeper reality God has always desired: the circumcision of our hearts. And in many ways, the story of Israel mirrors our own. The Israelites wandered in circles for forty years. Stuck, delayed, unable to enter the Promised Land. Many of us know that feeling. You sense God has more for you, yet something keeps holding you back. Something feels missing. Something feels uncut, unremoved. Maybe what you need is not a new strategy, not a new season, not a new breakthrough— but a circumcised heart. Today, we are going to talk about what that means. Why it may be the very thing that unlocks your Promised Land. WHAT IT MEANS TO CIRCUMCISE YOUR HEART Joshua 5:2–3 (NIV) 2 At that time the Lord said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again.” 3 So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth. God gave Joshua a strange command at a strategic moment: make knives out of stone and circumcise every Israelite male. So many men were circumcised that the place was named Gibeath Haaraloth—the Hill of Foreskins. It was a dramatic, painful, unforgettable act. Circumcision was not a random ritual. It was the sign of the Abrahamic covenant, the physical mark that identified a man as belonging to God’s chosen people. To the Jews, circumcision wasn’t optional; it was the entry point into covenant life. God Himself said in Genesis 17:14 that any uncircumcised male would be cut off from His people because he had broken the covenant. But here’s the crucial truth: God never wanted mere surgery. He wanted a symbol of a deeper reality. Physical circumcision was always meant to point to something far more profound— the circumcision of the heart. Before Israel could enter the Promised Land, God required a cutting away. Not just of flesh, but of anything that kept their hearts from fully belonging to Him. And the same is true for us today. True circumcision is of the heart What God truly seeks is not a physical circumcision, but a circumcision of the heart. True circumcision is an inward matter of the heart. Deuteronomy 30:6 (NIV) "The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live." Again, in Jeremiah 4:4 (NIV) "Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, circumcise your hearts…." In fact, those circumcised outwardly but not in their hearts are as good as being uncircumcised. This is made clear in Romans 2:28-29 (NIV) “A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God." What God ultimately desires is not the cutting of flesh, but the cutting of the heart. Physical circumcision was always meant to point to an inner, spiritual reality. Moses said it plainly in Deuteronomy 30:6 (NIV) "The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live." This was echoed in Jeremiah 4:4 (NIV) "Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, circumcise your hearts…." In other words, God is after something far deeper than a ritual. He wants a heart cut free from stubbornness, pride, sin, and divided affections. Scripture makes this even more striking: A person who is circumcised outwardly but unchanged inwardly is, in God’s eyes, no different from being uncircumcised. Paul drives this home in Romans 2:28–29 (NIV) “A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God." True belonging to God is not marked by a physical sign, but by an inward transformation. True circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit. It is the Spirit who cuts away what does not belong, who reshapes what is hardened, who marks us as God’s own. Heart circumcision is not about surgery; it is about surrender. Not about removing flesh but removing anything that keeps us from loving God fully. True circumcision begins with our union with Christ. True circumcision doesn’t start with human effort, it begins the moment we unite with Christ. Paul says in Colossians 2:11–12 (NIV) “in Him you were circumcised… not with a circumcision done by the hands of men, but with the circumcision done by Christ.” When we were buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through faith, God cut away our old sinful nature and made us alive in Christ. Under Joshua, the Israelites were circumcised with flint knives—pieces of rock. Today, Christ the Rock performs the circumcision. He is the One who cuts away the old life, the stubborn nature, the sin that once ruled us. Heart circumcision cannot happen apart from Him. It is His work, His blade, His Spirit. But just as Israel had to submit to the knife, we must respond to Christ. Grace is never passive. Salvation is fully God’s gift, yet it demands our surrender. Christ provides the Rock; we choose whether our hearts will be cut. Outside of Christ, our hearts remain uncircumcised—unchanged, untouched, spiritually dead. In Christ, we are positionally circumcised, marked, cleansed, and set apart as His own. Heart circumcision begins at conversion, but it continues as Christ keeps cutting away everything that does not belong in a life united with Him. True circumcision continues with your following Christ. True circumcision doesn’t end at conversion; it continues as we walk with Christ day by day. Positionally, God already considers us circumcised in Christ. But experientially, we must keep responding to Him in faith and obedience, because God continually looks at the condition of our hearts. Paul says in Galatians 5:6 (NIV) "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." And in 1 Corinthians 7:19 (NIV) “Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God's commands is what counts.” Notice the ongoing tense—this is a lifelong journey. True circumcision means continually setting your heart apart for God. It means choosing His voice over your flesh, His will over your impulses, His commands over your convenience. It is the daily, deliberate shaping of a heart that belongs wholly to Him. True circumcision involves cutting away your sinful flesh Walking with Christ has two sides: the positive—faith and obedience. And the painful, cutting away the sinful nature. Moses said in Deuteronomy 10:16 (NIV) “Circumcise your hearts… and do not be stiff‑necked any longer.” Heart circumcision requires removing what resists God: pride, stubbornness, selfishness, hidden sin. Physical circumcision was painful and required days of healing. Spiritual circumcision can feel the same. God cuts away parts of us that we have grown attached to: habits, attitudes, desires, comforts, even roles or responsibilities we cling to for identity. This is the daily work of putting off the flesh. Every decision becomes a moment of examination: Did my flesh influence that choice? Was it for my glory? Was it for my personal gain? Was it simply to make me feel better? If the answer is yes, then the call is clear: cut it off. Circumcise the flesh. Throw it away. Let God remove what does not belong. This may touch even sensitive areas—your preferences, your comfort zones, your leadership roles, your sense of importance. If someone else can do a better job, let God cut away your pride. If you have grown overly attached to a project and it gets in the way, let Him prune that too. True circumcision says: “Lord, shape me however You wish. Cut whatever You must. I am Yours.” This is how God fashions a heart ready for His purposes. One cut free from the flesh and set apart for His glory. WHY YOUR HEART CIRCUMCISION IS IMPORTANT TO GOD God Himself requires the circumcision of your heart Joshua 5:2 (NIV) “At that time the Lord said to Joshua, “…circumcise…””. God didn’t suggest it, He commanded it. Jeremiah 4:4 (NIV) echoes the same call: “Circumcise your hearts.” Why? Because when your heart is circumcised, your flesh no longer stands in God’s way. The generation under Moses had the outward mark but not the inward reality. Their uncircumcised hearts produced unbelief, complaining, rebellion, and spiritual paralysis. They could not trust God, and they would not obey Him. But the generation under Joshua was different. Their hearts were cut. They trusted God. They silenced their fleshly thinking. They willingly became vulnerable, even in enemy territory, because they believed God would fight for them. God can only do great things in us and through us when our hearts are circumcised. Your flesh cannot carry you into your calling. Only a circumcised heart can. When God spoke to my wife and me about coming to Brisbane to plant a church, we were ready to go obediently despite not knowing what lay ahead. Because our hearts were already circumcised. Disobedience leads to an uncircumcised heart Joshua 5:4–6 (NIV) 4 Now this is why he did so: All those who came out of Egypt—all the men of military age—died in the wilderness on the way after leaving Egypt. 5 All the people that came out had been circumcised, but all the people born in the wilderness during the journey from Egypt had not. 6 The Israelites had moved about in the wilderness forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the Lord. For the Lord had sworn to them that they would not see the land he had solemnly promised their ancestors to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. The men of Israel were physically circumcised (v5), but when they refused to enter the Promised Land, their rebellion disrupted their covenant with God. Their outward mark meant nothing. God considered them as uncircumcised. Paul affirms this in Romans 2:25 (NIV) “Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you become as though you had not been circumcised.” That is why none of the males born in the wilderness was circumcised. The covenant had been disrupted by disobedience. When we choose ongoing, wilful disobedience, our hearts drift back into carnality. We stop being set apart for God. Heaven feels like brass. Our prayers lose power. Our spiritual authority weakens. And if we persist, we can be disqualified from God’s calling. Just like the Israelites who forfeited the Promised Land. Disobedience doesn’t just slow you down. It uncircumcises your heart. Heart circumcision restores your covenant with God Joshua 5:7 (NIV) So he raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised. They were still uncircumcised because they had not been circumcised on the way. When Israel crossed the Jordan, they demonstrated faith and obedience. Something their forefathers never did. That act of trust re-established the covenant. God renewed His relationship with them. The same is true for us. When we repent, when we allow God to cut away what does not belong, our covenant relationship is restored. 1 John 1:9 (NIV) “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Repentance is heart circumcision in action. It brings back purity, clarity, anointing, and spiritual authority. I have seen this in real life. I know of a pastor who lost his anointing after his adultery and sin of divorcing his wife. But when he repented, the anointing returned. Why? Because heart circumcision restores what disobedience disrupts. BLESSINGS THAT COME WITH YOUR HEART CIRCUMCISION It draws God’s approval Joshua 5:9 (NIV) Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” So the place has been called Gilgal to this day. When Israel circumcised their hearts through obedience, God said, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” The shame was lifted. The displeasure was removed. There is no greater joy than knowing the King of the Universe is pleased with you. That your life is aligned with His will, that your heart is positioned at the very centre of His purpose. Heart circumcision brings you into the place where God says, “I am pleased with you.” Let’s make sure our lives continually draw His approval. We can experience God’s covenantal blessings Joshua 5:10–12 (NIV) 10 On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites celebrated the Passover. 11 The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain. 12 The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate the produce of Canaan. Passover is God’s covenant in action. A visible reminder that when God makes a covenant, He pledges Himself to His people. In the Abrahamic covenant, He promised blessing, multiplication, provision, and victory. But covenant blessing flows when we keep our hearts set apart for Him. Passover proved that God never abandons His people. In Egypt, He delivered Israel, judged their oppressors, and caused judgment to pass over His own. A circumcised heart keeps us under God’s covenant covering. God stands with us, protects us, and blesses those who bless us. We see this in real life. Jackie Pullinger, as a young woman, served among triads and drug addicts in Hong Kong. Often in dangerous situations, yet God protected her because she walked in covenant obedience. Her ministry thrived and experienced much breakthroughs. God is a covenant‑making God and a covenant‑keeping God. Eating the produce of the Promised Land (v11) was another sign of covenant fulfilment. After forty years of delay caused by disobedience, Israel finally tasted what God had promised. When we persevere, we too taste God’s promises. Hebrews 10:36 (NIV) "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Sharon Damazio, the wife of Ps Frank Damazio, was unable to have children despite much prayer. They adopted 2 children. Then to their great surprise after 12 years, God blessed them and gave her two children. Then the manna stopped (v12). Manna was miraculous, but it was baby food. Meant for the wilderness, not the Promised Land. Many Christians still live on manna, depending only on Sunday sermons, never learning to gather and prepare spiritual food for themselves. But God wants maturity. He wants us to cross the Jordan, step out in faith, and learn to feed ourselves and eventually feed others. When our hearts are circumcised, we grow by God’s grace from needing manna to producing fruit. And we’ve seen it in our own church, those who choose heart circumcision grow rapidly and deeply. They are the ones who are able to minister life to others. CONCLUSION True circumcision of the heart is about surrender, cutting off the world’s influence and setting ourselves apart for God. It is allowing the Holy Spirit to progressively cut away areas in our lives that are not aligned with God. That draws God’s approval and covenantal blessings of fruitfulness. 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.

Welcome to Wilson & Lai Ling's ministry website! We aim to provide practical ministry and biblical insights. To empower Spirit-filled ministry. Our immediate focus will be on leadership, Bible, intercession and prophetic. Wilson & Lai Ling CONNECT Practical Biblical Anointed Practical Biblical Anointed We aim to provide practical ministry and biblical insights. To empower Spirit-filled ministry. Our immediate focus will be on leadership, Bible, intercession and prophetic. About Us Latest Episode L069 Creativity and Leadership with Ps Denis Lu Leadership Wilson Lim If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not a creative person,” this episode is for you. Ps Denis Lu explains how creativity can be learned, why open-mindedness and lateral thinking matter, and how leaders can nurture creativity through reflective thinking, learning from other fields, and daring to experiment. Press play and let this conversation spark fresh ideas for your leadership and ministry. Download Leader Guide More episodes Intercession Leadership Prophetic Listen & Subscribe Wilson Lim Podcast Available On Listen & Subscribe Lai Ling Lim Podcast Available On Latest Blog Posts Supporting Kingdom Workers Wilson Lim 2 hours ago 12 min read What Happens When God Sees True Faith? Wilson Lim Sep 15 7 min read Circumcise Your Hearts Wilson Lim Sep 2 10 min read Subscribe for updates! Be the first to hear about new podcast episodes, blog posts, and more! Your generosity helps further our mission to equip leaders. Ask us anything related to our ministry focuses. Ask Us

Episodes Not Found Search using single words or Boolean operators AND/OR i.e. "God AND faith” ALL Leadership Prophetic Intercession Button 7 Oct 2026 | Creativity and Leadership with Ps Denis Lu If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not a creative person,” this episode is for you. Ps Denis Lu explains how creativity can be learned, why open-mindedness and lateral thinking matter, and how leaders can nurture creativity through reflective thinking, learning from other fields, and daring to experiment. Press play and let this conversation spark fresh ideas for your leadership and ministry. L069 Wilson Lim Leadership Button 16 Sept 2026 | Intercessors Functioning In Mercy Ministry Mercy intercessors are God’s living “stethoscopes”—hearing the root of pain and extending His mercy, not judgment. In this episode we unpack how tears can release spiritual, emotional, and physical healing, and how to walk in mercy without burning out. I032 Lai Ling Intercession Button 2 Sept 2026 | It Begins Within Leaders often carry heavy loads: responsibilities, expectations, constant decisions. The difference between those who thrive and those who burn out? Inner strength. In this episode, we unpack how clarity, courage, and capacity form the foundation of sustainable leadership. It begins within. L068 Wilson Lim Leadership Button 19 Aug 2026 | The Role Of Godly Love In Unlocking The Prophetic Spiritual gifts are powerful, but we need to operate in them through godly love. Godly love enables us to see people through Jesus’ eyes—not through the lens of their flaws, weaknesses, or past mistakes. As we grow in love, we grow in discernment and reflect God’s redemptive heart. P031 Lai Ling Prophetic Button 5 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 22 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 8 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 17 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 20 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 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 ... 14 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!

Reflections Wilson Lim 7 October 2026 Be Rich Toward God - That’s What Lasts Luke 12:16 - 21 (NIV) 16And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop.  17He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ 18“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.  19And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’ 20“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ 21“This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.” Wealth is no saviour, it saves no one. Only God can. Wealth is like a painkiller, it can help dull the pain of sin but it is no cure. In fact, it often hides the fact there is a serious problem. Wealth is no panacea, but in fact may be a drug. That is why Scriptures urge us not to put our hope in wealth, but to place our hope in God. We are to take our focus away from wealth and towards God! Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Recent Posts See All Are You Rubbing People the Wrong Way? Why Do We Fight Over Small Things? God Offers More Than Money Ever Could Be Rich Toward God - That’s What Lasts How Determined Are You to Grow in God?