…the people who know their God shall prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do exploits [for God].
(Dan. 11:32 AMPC)
Life is all about who you know! The people who know God will be strong, stand firm and do exploits! I know that I want to be in that group. How about you? So, ponder this today: do you know God? I mean really know Him? Not just “know about Him.” Do you know Him?
There is a huge difference between knowing “about” someone and really “knowing” someone. The difference is a relationship! That’s why God wants us to know Him – He wants a relationship with us! He doesn’t just want us to listen to others debate “about” Him or read great, Christian best-sellers that talk “about” Him. He wants us to know Him in a very personal way.
When I reflect on my life with the Lord, there were a lot of years I just knew some interesting religious facts “about” God and “about” Jesus, but I didn’t know Him personally. That has changed over the past 30 years and these days, I can say – “I know Him!” (The best part is that, like many of you, I have barely scratched the surface of His Person – there is so much more of Him to know.)
If you find yourself facing fear, anxiety, instability or uncertainty, now is the time to know God! I mean really know Him. Let me encourage you, here’s what I’ve come to know about God and you can too…
He’s good – always. He’s faithful. He’s true to His Word. He’s fair. He’s merciful. He’s generous. He’s a giver. He gives nice things. He extends a lot of grace. He’s patient. He’s fun and He makes me laugh. He likes my singing. He heals. He empowers me daily. He’s changed and transformed me so much, I hardly recognize myself. He strengthens me and gives me courage. He delivered me from all my fears. He set me free from too many things to mention. He’s truthful. He’s encouraging. He’s been my Comforter when things are tough. He’s my closest Friend and easy to talk to. His voice is still and often quiet. He speaks in a language I understand when I read His Word. His Presence is tangible and full of joy. He’s never depressed. He’s always there. He never leaves. He’s as real – and perhaps more real to me – than anyone I know.
Those who know God will be strong and do exploits! It’s all about Who we know. I pray that this devo encourages you to get to know Him better in the coming days. It’s never too late to start developing a relationship with the one true God!
Say It: Father, I want to know You. I really do. For real. I don’t want to just know ‘about’ You, I want to know You personally. I want to walk with You. I want to talk with You. I want You in every area of my life. Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit – help me to know You better. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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As a young couple, fresh out of Bible School with Two daughters and a third child on the way, Jeff and Beth Jones felt God's call to pioneer Valley Family Church in 1991 with a vision to make an eternal difference in Southwest Michigan. As a husband and wife team, they have always led together as visionary pastors and have shared the pulpit as Bible teachers. They are passionate about building the local church in greater Kalamazoo and the global church around the world.
Their message has always been focused on the basics of the Bible and has remained consistent since VFC's beginning. Throughout VFC's history, the goal of their teaching has been to help people live an abundant life through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and through faith in God's Word. In short, it's our mission statement: we exist to help people become devoted followers of Jesus who get the Bible basics, live the life and do the stuff.
Jeff and Beth have four kids and four grandchildren. Meghan is married to Brodie Hock. Annie is married to Zack Spangler. Luke is married to Kelsey Jones. Eric is married to Alexa Jones. All of their kids and in-laws have served with them in the church for many years and each sense their own unique calling to ministry.