Tag: I lift my hands to the King of kings

“This letter is from John to the seven churches in the province of Asia. Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before his throne; ⁵ and from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world. All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. ⁶ He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
⁷ Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him—even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the world will mourn for him. Yes! Amen!
⁸ “I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,  says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.” Revelation 1:4-8 NLT

Our Father, who art in heaven,

I have slipped back to chapter 1 of Revelation. Though it is kind of an introductory paragraph to the letters to the churches – it is full of encouragement! A good way to start a new year.

Jesus, whose witness ifs faithful, to be trusted. Who did rise from the dead and rules. He loves us and has freed us from the penalty of our sin. We now live in His Kingdom, even though still on a fallen earth, and are His chosen priests and servants. And, He is not leaving us. He left His Spirit with us and He will come back to end sin and death and destruction. All power and glory are His, even if sometimes we question the state of our nation and world and wonder why He holds off coming.

Yes sometimes I think that it will be fantastic, to see those who stubbornly disbelieve or have rebelled, see You and have to acknowledge who You are . . . but then I also want them to see and know Your love and salvation. Especially those of my family who mock my faith.

As we have opened the door to 2026 we give thanks that You sent Jesus who is the door and opened the door to heaven. We give thanks that You will continue to be faithful, forgive us and love us and guide us and hear and answer our prayers. We pray that we may ask according to Your will and see many miracles this year. Changes of heart, talks in conflict leading to peace, and growth in numbers of believers. You are Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end of everything and there is no other God.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Sunday 1st December 2024
André started playing piano at 5 and wanted to become a concert pianist, but God had other plans. He won the “Charles Manning” Cup for best pianist in the then Transvaal, (later becoming the northern provinces of South Africa.) In 1985 the Lord called him into ministry. That year he wrote this song. Prophetic and resonating with people all over the world that long for the second coming of Christ. Sung on mainland and remote Islands alike, it has been translated to over 30 languages.

I lift my hands to the coming King
To the Great I Am to You I sing
For You’re the One
Who reigns within my heart

I lift my hands to the coming King
To the Great I Am to You I sing
For You’re the One
Who reigns within my heart

Chorus
And I will serve no foreign god
Or any other treasure
You are my heart’s desire
Spirit without measure
Unto Your Name I will bring a sacrifice

Lyrics: Andre Kempen

“⁴ John, to the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, ⁵ and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, ⁶ and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. ⁷ Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.” Revelation 1:4-7 NIV

Our Father,

Who was and is and is to come. John says it so succinctly. Puts You as the maker of history, time and the future. The faithful witness. He has seen it all and speaks only the truth from all angles – not a bias view. The firstborn from the dead. No one else could conquer death. He did and was seen and touched and ate with his disciples after. The ruler of all the kings. King of Kings.

And he is coming back, every eye will see Him. The truth will be known. Before we celebrate Your Son’s birth Father we need to remember there will be a second coming. And like the first wise men we need to be ready to worship. Like the Shepherds come rejoicing recognising our Shepherd. Because we have spent time getting to know Him personally. Like Mary and Joseph willing to do HIs and therefore Your will.

I do not know what that day will be like and there is of course natural fear because it is unknown. But an overwhelming gratitude that my eternity is in Your safe, caring, hands. Faithful witness, king of Kings, Shepherd and Saviour.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
Our Father,

For our family, friends, neighbours, those we promised to pray for.
For our Christian family and the plans for Christmas in our churches to draw in new people.
For our king and His family and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For our Government and wise judgements.
For Ukraine and Russia. A miraculous end to war.
For all the conflict in the Middle East to ceasefire and find an end to the conflicts.
For those in the witness protection to be able to speak truth in safety.
For those who find this time of year challenging. For those who have been bereaved.
For our NHS the help it needs to improve and catch up. For new doctors and nurses training.
For us to worship You, Lord today whatever we do and wherever we are: work, hospital, church, with or away from family, travelling . . .

Worship Sunday 1st December 2024
I haven’t heard this for a while.

I lift my hands to the coming King
To the Great I Am to You I sing
For You’re the One
Who reigns within my heart

Chorus
And I will serve no foreign god
Or any other treasure
You are my heart’s desire
Spirit without measure
Unto Your Name I will bring my sacrifice

Lyrics: Julian André Kempen