In this season where global pandemics, social unrest, and political turmoil seem to all be converging, YOU are on my heart. I pray that God would strengthen you by His might and fill you with His wisdom so you can successfully navigate these times. Know that you’re loved by Him and us—and we’re in your corner!
In fact, prayer is the very topic I’d like to talk about here today. Sometimes we may feel powerless to change things that seem too big in life, or sometimes it may feel like wave after wave hits us, and we just have to take it.
Today, I want to get you stirred up with the basic truth that you can tap into God’s plan, purposes, equipping, and wisdom—all through prayer. We are not powerless. We do have the ability to hook up with the Lord’s power as we pray out His purposes in our lives and on this earth.
Prayer is incredibly powerful. As believers in these crazy times, we must amp up our personal prayer lives!
One thing that caught my attention years ago about prayer is how many times God instructs us to ask. (Asking is praying!)
If the Lord were going to just do things anyway, He wouldn’t have said over and over again in the Bible to ASK. Be encouraged! You play a vital role in His will being done in your life, family, and the world.
“…You do not have, because you do not ask God.” (James 4:2)
“Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.” (Jer. 33:3)
“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matt. 7:7-8)
Make this declaration:
“Father God, thank you that you hear me when I pray. Help me to make prayer a priority each day. Thank you that when I ask, you answer! In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
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.