We will see Him

Hi Blogger , 2 Corinthians 8:8,9 I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. ... How do you know that your love for Jesus Christ is real? ... Do you know his grace? Do you know that He took your poverty on Himself to make you rich in Him? ... Only if you know this love will you have the motivation to become poor in order to give to those in need. King Jesus Christ, help me to become involved with the poor - not only financially but also emotionally and socially. As I do this, I pray that my motivation will be the gospel and that my faith in that gospel will be strengthened. Amen Rev. Kruger de Kock London PS. For those of you that were wondering: our baby has not been born yet. Please continue to pray for Stephanie and the baby as she is now 5...

Hi Blogger , The following is a well known quote from Jesus. Read it again and see how it says to whom the Kingdom belongs. If like me, you realise that you don't entirely fit Jesus' criteria to inherit the Kingdom - read it again and see how Jesus fits the criteria perfectly. Matthew 5:2-11 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." King Jesus, we put our faith in you. Amen Rev. Kruger de Kock London You are receiving these email...

Hi Blogger, Matt 5:18 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them... Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ... I think most of us make this mistake: we either disregard God's laws because we say 'Christ has fulfilled it all', or we try to keep the laws in order to try to win God's favour. ... Neither of these ways are the real Christianity. ... As you read God's laws it should say to you "you can't do this, you can't keep IT", but as that thought settles in your mind you must hear "but Christ has fulfilled it in my place". ... Now, go one step further and say: "I am now a child of God through faith in Christ - let me do what pleases him." ...

Hi Blogger, Matt 5:20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. ... The criteria for entrance into God's Kingdom is very high. ... It is not religious righteousness - the kind of outside 'goodness' the religious establishment of Jesus' day portrayed. ... Jesus wants inside goodness (Luk 11:37). If you think you have it... you don't. King Jesus, we need a goodness that can only come from you. You have met the Kingdom criteria in our place so we can enter in your Name. Please help us to live up to who we are in Christ. Amen Rev. Kruger de Kock London You are receiving these emails because you have visited or supported Canada Water Church or Surrey Docks Church, London. Please forward these emails to others, and if you would like to add someone to the mailing list - just send a reply with their email address. If ...

Dear Blogger, Luke 17:20: "Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, [Jesus] answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”" ... In these verses Jesus teaches us that the Kingdom of Heaven is already here, "in the midst of you". ... He also tells us that it comes quietly, not with great "signs to be observed". ... It started with Christ, who won the decisive battle against sin and the devil on the cross, but it continues as we submit our lives more and more to this new good King, who gave Himself for us. King Jesus, you have won the battle on the cross and your kingdom is quietly coming all over the world. Would you help me to to fight sin and the evil one in my life, knowing that you've already won the war for us. Amen Rev. Kruger de Kock London You are receivi...

Dear Blogger, Isaiah 65:17 For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. 2 Pet 3:13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. ... God has made His promise of a new heavens and new earth for hundreds of years. The one quote is from Isaiah, 700 B.C. while Peter's quote is from 60 A.D. ... Except for this, God has placed a longing on your heart for a perfect Kingdom "in which righteousness dwells". ... This Kingdom can only be found at the One that promised He will bring it about. King Jesus, as we study the theme of your Kingdom this week, please help us to get to know you better as the King of this Kingdom. Amen Rev. Kruger de Kock London Feel free to forward these emails to others. If you would like to receive them daily, reply to kruger@citylifelondon.org with 'subscribe please' in the...

Dear Blogger , 2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him (Jesus) to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. ... The truth is: God treats a believing sinner is if he "knew no sin". ... The lie is: Secretly God keeps our sins against us and punishes us for them. ... The truth is: God punished Jesus Christ for our sins, once and for always - it is finished. ... The lie is: God is out to get you. Father God, as we seek to truly worship you in Spirit and in Truth, please let the following truth form the basis of our worship: for our sake your Son died the death we deserved so that we can live the life He deserved. Amen "We are only poor for this reason, that we do not know our riches in Christ.” —Richard Sibbes, The Bruised Reed Rev. Kruger de Kock London Feel free to forward these emails to others. If you would like to receive them daily, reply to kruger@citylifelondon.org with 'subscribe pl...

Dear Blogger, John 4:24 Jesus said: " God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." ... Prayer is obviously a spiritual thing to do. But prayer, based only on our spiritual thoughts and notions remain empty or at worst completely self-centered. ... Here Jesus tells us that we must base our prayers on the truth. Take portions of the Bible and just pray them back to God, thanking Him for who He is, praising Him for what He has done. Prayer: Almighty God, forgive us for our self-centred prayers. Help us to read your Word and rest in your truth found there. Please make all kinds of personal connections with us as we study and pray your Word. Help us to discover Jesus Christ as the ultimate truth. Amen Rev. Kruger de Kock London Feel free to forward these emails to others. If you would like to receive them daily, reply to kruger@citylifelondon.org with 'subscribe please' in the subject line. If you do not want t...

Dear Blogger, Matthew 26:39  And going a little farther Jesus fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” ... This is the night before Jesus' crucifixion. As He thinks about the cost of bearing the sins of the world he honestly and openly prays to His Father. ... Are your prayers marked by this kind of honesty and complete surrender to the Father? Prayer: Lord Jesus, I do not easily open up to you. Lead me to that place where I can fall down in complete surrender to you, reverently speak my mind to you and eventually find my rest where Christ found his: knowing that You are good, and your will is perfect for my life. In Jesus' name, Amen Rev. Kruger de Kock London Feel free to forward these emails to others. If you would like to receive them daily, reply to kruger@citylifelondon.org with 'subscribe please' in the subject line. If you do not ...

Hi Blogger, Luke 5:16 But [Jesus] would withdraw to desolate places and pray. ... Jesus would regularly leave his work and his people and spend time in prayer with his Father. ... It is very hard for city people to find a time and place to spend time with God. ... But if we don't, the city has enough people and things to distract us for a lifetime. Prayer: Father God, I know what my lack of time in prayer with you says about me. It says I think I am the real god in my life, and that I'm able to solve my problems and that I will bring myself real joy. I want to confess to you that it is a grievous sin and I want to plead for your forgiveness. Help me, lead me, make me spend quality time with you. In Jesus' Name, Amen Rev. Kruger de Kock London Feel free to forward these emails to others. If you would like to receive them daily, reply to kruger@citylifelondon.org with 'subscribe please' in the subject line. If you do not want to re...

Hi Blogger, "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you..." Eph 1:18 ... We may know the truth of scripture... but do you know it so deeply that you really experience it? ... We may experience the the truths of scripture... but do you experience it so deeply that you really know it? ... It is only through prayer and the grace of the Holy Spirit that our hearts are enlightened so that we truly know the hope which is ours through faith in Jesus Christ. Prayer: Today, think about and pray the truth of Eph 1:18 for yourself or for someone else. Rev. Kruger de Kock London Feel free to forward these emails to others. If you would like to receive them daily, reply to kruger@citylifelondon.org with 'subscribe please' in the subject line. If you do not want to receive these messages anymore, just reply with 'unsubscribe please' in the subject line.

Hi Blogger "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." James 4:10 ... If you want God’s grace, all you need is need, all you need is nothing. But that kind of spiritual humility is hard to muster.” Timothy Keller, Counterfeit Gods Prayer: Father God, I long for you to lift me up and give me the deep security and peace that the Gospel promises. I must admit that spending quality time with you, confessing my need and dependence on you and trusting you to provide for me is the practical stumbling block keeping me from experiencing your grace. Please help me to get over this barrier and experience your love and care through your Spirit and to be truly lifted up by you. Amen. Rev. Kruger de Kock London Feel free to forward these emails to others. If you would like to recieve them daily, reply to kruger@citylifelondon.org with 'subscribe please' in the subject line. If you do not want to receive these messages anymore, just r...

Hi Blogger "Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honour." Proverbs 18:12 ... Pride and arrogance is dangerous. It robs "God of legitimate glory and to pursue self-glorification." (C.J. Mahaney) ... Humility is as a result of faith in the Gospel. How can anyone be arrogant when he stands beside the cross? ... This is why John Stott calls "pride our greatest enemy and humility our greatest friend”. Prayer: Father God, the moment I start to think that I deserve the blessings you have given me I become proud and self-reliant. Would you truly make me humble, always having a spirit dependent on you. After all - how can I not depend on you - you have given your Son to save me. Amen Rev. Kruger de Kock London Feel free to forward these emails to others. If you would like to recieve them daily, reply to kruger@citylifelondon.org with 'subscribe please' in the subject line. If you do not ...

Hi Blogger "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21 ... The Gospel makes us both humble and confident at once! ... I am so sinful God's son had to die for me. I am so loved, that I was given His righteousness to have an eternal place before God. Prayer: Father God, help me to preach this Gospel to myself daily. It mounts a powerful assault against my pride and serves to establish humility in its place. Nothing suffocates my pride more than daily reminders regarding the gravity of my sins, and the crucifixion of God’s own Son in my place. Your gracious love, lavished on me because of Christ’s death, is very humbling to remember, especially when viewed against the backdrop of the Hell I deserve. Amen Adapted for a prayer from a qoute by Milton Vincent. Rev. Kruger de Kock London Feel free to forward these emails to others. If you would like to recieve them...

Hi Blogger Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5 ... Is humility something you aspire to? ... Being modest, reverential, even politely submissive doesn't seem like a virtue in todays world. ... But it pleases the eternal God - who's given all the reason a Christian needs to be humble: no one is saved through any special skills, abilities or personality traits of their own. No, we are only saved on the basis of his grace towards us - so we have no reason to be proud. Prayer: Eternal Father, I must confess that the real issue for me is not if pride exists in my heart but rather where and how pride is being expressed in my life. Please cure me of the root of pride - that I think I'm accepted by you because I'm good in one or the other way. Help me to be astonished at your grace of saving me. Amen Rev. Kruger de Kock London Feel free to forwar...

Hi Blogger After teaching his followers how to pray Jesus says in Matt 6:31-33: "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them." ... Even if we don't ask, our Father knows of our needs and cares for us. ... And while we don't pray we have One that constantly intercedes for us, on our behalf: the Lord Jesus Christ. ... He's not only aware of our pressing practical needs, but also of our deepest spiritual need: "...because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely (or forever) those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." (Heb 7:23-25). Prayer: My Father, our salvation through faith in you really is complete. Not only do you care for our practical needs but above all for our need of a Saviour. We rest secure i...

Dear Blogger For the past week we have looked at the Lord's Prayer from Matthew 6. Here is the last of this week's devotionals. PRAISE | ASK | CONFESSION | THANKFULNESS | HOPE "For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen." Matt 6:12 (In some manuscripts) ... What we hope for the future shapes our experience of the present. If your highest hope is for a beautiful home by the sea, your joy would be in anything that's bringing you closer to that hope. Your fears would be directly related to anything taking you further away from that believed in future. ... A follower of Jesus Christ has an eternal hope that can carry him or her through sickness, poverty, rejection and all other kinds of suffering: an eternal Kingdom of unsurpassable power and completely satisfying glory. ... Are you following Him there? Prayer: My Father in heaven, I long for my heart to be where my home is - with you. Please help me to see that to put ...

Dear Blogger PRAISE | ASK | CONFESSION | THANKFULNESS | HOPE Jesus taught us to pray: "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." Matt 6:12 ... A believer who has put his or her faith in Jesus Christ is eternally saved and there is never ever any condemnation - God treats us as if we have never sinned in our lives. ... But even if God treats us as sinless sons and daughters, we know that we aren't. We are still sinners - doing things that grieves the Spirit and hinders our experience of God's presence in our lives. ... When Jesus teaches us to pray this prayer he is giving sinners the secret to become who they already are in Christ. Prayer: My Father, I believe that I am only saved from the penalty of my sin through faith in Jesus' death in my place. I confess that my sin disturbs and disrupts my fellowship with you and also with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Please give all of us a fresh experience of yo...

Dear Blogger PRAISE | ASK | CONFESSION | THANKFULNESS | HOPE Jesus taught us to pray: "(Let) your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.'" Matthew 6:10,11 ... We can ask God to direct our lives to fulfil His eternal purposes and our temporary needs. ... Eternal: Spend time asking God to let His Kingdom come. Pray for Kingdom focussed initiatives: churches, missionaries, charities, christian artists/writers/bankers/teachers/students etc. ... Temporary: Now, spend time asking God to give you what you need to prosper His Kingdom. Prayer: My Father, you have given your Son to us, won't you also give us everything else we need. You are our Father and we trust that you know and are able to give to us what we need to prosper your Kingdom. Please help us to rest in your provision for us. Amen Rev. Kruger de Kock London Feel free to forward these emails to others. If you ...

Dear Blogger PRAISE Jesus said: "Pray then like this: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name...'" Matthew 6:9 ... When starting your prayer, start by praising God. ... Praise God, not firstly for what He has done for you but for who He is for you: an intimate, approachable Father who is working all things for the good of his children (Rom 8:28). ... Now, praise God as the Holy One, Eternal God, Creator of all things. 'Hallow' or revere or respect Him for who He is. Prayer: My Father God, you are holy, eternal, all-powerfull, all-knowing and yet you are my Father. I do not deserve your affection, but in Jesus Christ's death you directed all of your attributes towards me, for my good. I praise and respect you for who you are and what you have done for me. Amen Rev. Kruger de Kock London Feel free to forward these emails to others. If you would like to recieve them daily, reply to kruger@citylifelondon.org ...