The Unfortunate Ability

Today, I just have a thought that I want to share with you. It is a thought that I woke up with this morning and I feel the need to share. Many of us struggle with an unfortunate ability and even tendency to settle.

We had big dreams, big initiate goals, big hopes for our future, big vision - plans to end up in a certain kind of house, career, relationship, church etc. but as life has kept going and we didn't see what we envisioned come to pass, somewhere along the way, we have reasoned in our minds (or perhaps, we have entertained the enemy reasoning with us) and have become convinced that what we once saw, will not be. Therein, we have become complacent and comfortable with the idea of settling for less than our vision.

To settle is to accept less than. In financial terms it has to do with compromising in a way where you tend to accept less than what you were owed in order to make sure you walk away with something rather than nothing. But, I believe deep within yourself, there is a part of you that cries out to God saying, Lord, I want everything you have for me! I believe there is a remnant of people who exist who would say, I want God's perfect will for my life. I'm lonely right now, but I would rather wait on the person God has for me than find myself, once again, trying to make something happen and settling for less than God's plan for my life. Don't let anyone tell you that is selfish. If God has given you a vision of your future, that is your movie preview and you need to use that as a baseline and guidelines for what/who you will accept and give a chance and what/who you should just let keep walking past your life! Settling can cause the plan of God to be interrupted in your life!

We've all done it before. We've been living in an apartment for 8 months and we know it's time to have our own house. We make our God-inspired list of our "have to haves" - what we know we need in a house - Lord, I need 2 bedrooms, an attached garage, air conditioning and a safe neighborhood, I'll be flexible about everything else, but I need that - then, 4 more months pass by and an opportunity finally presents itself that has 1 bedroom, a detached garage and a box fan in the window, but it is in a safe neighborhood... It is at that point where we must decide, will I wait on my vision or will I settle! Once we grow tired of waiting, many of us change our "have to have" lists midstream. We even have this interesting ability to focus in on the 1 thing that's right, instead of the 3 things that are wrong. Well, I know it's missing a bedroom, the garage is detached and there's no air conditioning, but it sure is a great neighborhood; I would hate to miss out on this neighborhood. So, we settle... and then become angry with God every time we're reminded of what we don't have. Well God... I had company come over today, where are they supposed to sleep - I only have one bedroom... Lord, it's raining and I have to walk from this garage to this house, I told you I wanted an attached garage. Lord, it's HOT in here; I'm so tired of living like this. We actually get frustrated with God for decisions we have made. He never told you to settle; in fact, He showed you a vision of what you need.

You can change the example to anything - I've been in an uncomfortable spot for quite a while now and I know God wants me to move into a better position. Make the God-inspired list of the "have to haves" - determine what you need and what you can be flexible with and then wait on the Lord. There's the part where it gets challenging - how long are you willing to wait? What if He doesn't deliver in your time expectations. Will you keep on waiting or will you settle? Will you wait on your vision or will you settle?

Yes, there are some things you should be willing to compromise on, if it's something that was only produced from your thoughts, your mind and God didn't really have anything to do with it... but, if God has a plan for your life, don't compromise, don't waiver and don't settle. Don't miss the full extent of what God has for you by settling because of impatience and discomfort! They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength! (Isaiah 40:31).  

Consecration Progress

Leading up to September, I believe the Lord spoke to me with instructions about a unique Consecration. In August we studied about the Whisper of God in Connect and the teaching led us to a discussion of the Spiritual Disciplines. Armed with that inspiration and leading, we jumped into the Spiritual Disciplines Consecration in September and have continued it into October!

We keep progressing and are turning up the levels of the Consecration and we keep experiencing the supernatural favor and flow of God in our lives, in our services, in our relationships, in our circumstances. Wonderful things are being ushered into our lives through this Consecration. Welcome to the Outpour! 

I just wanted to stop and reflect and get your feedback on how the Consecration is going so far from your perspective. Tell me about your experience: What's the most challenging part? What's the easiest part? What's the most rewarding part? What have been the benefits of this particular Consecration in your life to date?

I look forward to hearing from the participants about this journey so far. Keep on keeping on - God has greater things in store for you!

Outpour!

October Outpour, phase 10. Join us on Sundays at 1:00 p.m. for the month of October as we experience the Outpour! Fresh oil, new wine, and living water is flowing! Our vessels are ready to receive the flow!

Now, we want to hear from you.

1. What type of an Outpour are you expecting? 
2. Tell us about how God has been flowing and pouring into your life!

Prayer Call tonight 9/7/12

Join us tonight (Friday, September 7, 2012) on our prayer call - right on time for our Spiritual Disciplines Consecration as we increase our personal and corporate prayer time, this will be a powerful time in God's presence tonight. Dial in at 605-475-3200 and enter access code 563087#. 

If you have prayer requests in advance, please send them to victorylife@victorybr.com or leave them as a comment on the facebook ad. If these options don't suit you, feel free to leave a comment on this blog and we'll see your request there. 

Prayer changes things! Today, as you pray, expect God to talk back! Expectation leads to manifestation! In His presence, your life can be changed forever. Hope you join us tonight at 9:00 p.m. on our prayer call.

Pastor Razel

September Consecration at Victory Life

The Whisper of God!

Don't Miss the Whisper
Pastor Razel O. Jones

On Wednesday, August 8, 2012 we will enjoy part 2 of this month's Connect series at Victory Life entitled, "The Whisper: Recognizing, Hearing & Obeying God's Voice." 

We had a great start last week as we talked about how God still speaks and the importance of quieting down the distractions in our lives. We talked about why God often chooses a whisper - the intimacy, the attentiveness, the direct communication, the fine tuning.

Today, I would like to ask you - have you ever experienced a whisper from God? If so, I would love if you would tell me about your experience by leaving a comment on this blog or emailing me-pastorrazel@victorybr.com.

Tomorrow night we will dive into "Divine Input for the Day-to-Day!" I hope to see you there as we work to help you hear God's voice better and have the boldness to obey what He says. Don't miss the whisper!

Activities also available for children and youth - Victory Life Christian Ministries - Connect - Wednesdays at 7pm!

Baptism - what's it all about?

Baptism

I'm getting excited as we approach our 2nd Baptism service ever as a church family on this Sunday, July 15 at Hemlock Park in Big Rapids, in the Muskegon River at 11:00 a.m.

Why is it important? 

Baptism is an outward expression/sign of an inward truth for the believer. Baptism demonstrates to the world that you are serious about your connection to Christ. Through baptism, we connect with Christ in his life, death, burial and resurrection. The old you is left in the water as your sins were cast into the sea of forgetfulness, and the new you emerges from the water! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) says, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Baptism is defined as: 

• a ceremonial immersion in water as an initiatory rite or sacrament of the Christian church.
• an action of initiation, dedication, etc. 
• a trying or purifying experience or initiation. 

Here are some scriptures to think about concerning Baptism:

• Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

• Acts 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
• Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

3 distinct methods/names to be baptized in, in each of these scriptures: 1. in the name of Jesus Christ 2. in the name of the Lord 3. in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

More importantly, many results are listed after the baptism:

• Forgiveness of sins
• Receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit
• Being with the Lord/Waiting on the Lord
• Observing the Word of the Lord
• Dwelling with the Lord always

Some additional results include:

• Connection with the body of Christ everywhere
• Renewal
• Cleansing
• Fresh start!

We have 5 candidates who have signed up for Baptism this Sunday. Feel free to join us at the Baptism service to celebrate with these 5 as they experience one of the greatest days of their lives!

What does Victory Life mean to me?

What does Victory Life mean to me? When I was given this question, the first two words that came to mind were home and love. These two words I believe are often taken for granted.

I never had much of a “home” growing up. The house I lived in was not a place I wanted to run to or felt safe in. The word home means a dwelling place; a place of residence or refuge. I believe that Victory Life has been a refuge to me over the past two years. The first time I walked into Victory Life, I was 45 minutes late and the seats were full and Pastor Razel was preaching a message that I can’t remember now but I remember how I felt. For the first time in many years I felt safe. And now two years later, after growth, success and even failure, I still feel safe.  But I’m not just referring to a building but the family that I have gained as well. A house is not a home unless it is filled with people you love, right?  

Family is something I haven’t experienced much over the years either, so for me it was tough making the adjustment to trust the Overcomers who wanted to get to know me, I even resisted Pastor Razel and Lady Camille. I don’t know what made them take interest in me but I’m glad they did! My family of Overcomers has given me something that I have experienced very few times in my life; real, unconditional love. I have made friends that have been with me through the good and bad, and still love me and push me to do better. That is something to thank God about!

Yes, they gave me a natural love but they have also introduced me to the spiritual love of God. Victory Life has sparked a passion that I have never known; to know God, to please God and to be who He wants me to be. I have become a better person and a stronger believer since I joined this wonderful ministry. I wish all people could experience what I've experienced, whether it's at Victory Life or even another church. God will work in your life if you let Him. He brought me something I was sure I would never need, people to love me and a place of refuge in Him

I am especially grateful to my parents, Pastor Razel and Lady Camille for all the time, effort and prayer they have invested in me over the last two years. The vision that was placed in both of them has made such a difference in my life that I hope one day I can make them as proud as they have made me.  I’m excited about the amazing things that God has in store for the ministry. I’m also looking forward to having the things that have manifested in my life through Victory Life be spread to others. 

Two years ago Victory Life was a new beginning and it may not be where I end up but it will always be home! 

Proactive or Passive?

Here's my question of the week!
Are you proactive or passive?

proactive  (prəʊˈæktɪv)
	tending to initiate change rather than reacting to events

passive  (ˈpæsɪv)
	not active or not participating perceptibly in an activity,organization, etc

In thinking about leadership this week, I'm wondering if there is actually any such thing as an effective, passive leader - my gut tells me NO! How can one lead without thinking ahead, moving ahead and being ahead? The essence of a leader is in his/her ability to be out front and blaze the trail; you can't lead from behind.

Today, I am encouraging all leaders to be proactive - anticipate the next need - solve the problem before it's a problem - and, try to get the perspective of God by seeing the beginning from the end!

I would love to hear your thoughts!

What's your superpower?

I would love to hear from you the answers to the following 4 questions!

1. What's the best thing that has happened to you this week.
   
2. What's the greatest discovery you have had this week?
   
3. What's your superpower that makes you the superhero that you are? Or - If you were one of the X-Men, what would your special ability be?
   
4. What's your kryptonite?

I can't wait to hear from all of you!

April Acceleration!

Sunday, I had the opportunity to begin a new series for the month of April - Acceleration!

In this season of Initiation, sometimes it becomes easy to lose site of the assignments God has given you to complete. In fact, many times, we're just too slow. There is so much work to be done for the Kingdom, yet there are so many distractions along the way.

The conversion of Saul to Paul gives us much insight into the type of acceleration we need if we are to accomplish the purpose and reach the destiny that God has in store for us. My favorite part is when Saul asks the question, what am I to do - this is a question of purpose. He's looking for the big answer that makes his destiny clear and easily attainable. The answer he receives is go to Damascus and I'll tell you more there. Our pursuit of purpose and destiny is always one decision at a time.

He advances to Damascus with the help of the people he has surrounding him and receives clarification which does not clarify much at the time. The Lord tells him through Ananais, I'm going to give you the ability to see and hear God. Saul still expected the revelation to be bigger than it was. Have you ever been in a situation where the anticipation of what God has for you is seemingly bigger than the revelation you receive upon impartation? Saul probably thought, "is that it?" "what's the rest?". It wasn't until his ability to see and hear God in a crisis allowed him to escape defeat at the hand of the enemy that the magnitude of the revelation showed itself. Sometimes, the process seems bigger than the lesson - until the need for the lesson becomes visible to you! God's instructions to him this time were to HURRY UP and get out of there - to ACCELERATE and get to the next step of his process which would lead him to his destiny.

I want to encourage you now to grab on to the assignment God has given you for your next step. It may seem small now, but He is preparing you for your future. There's something you're learning in your current process and assignment that will become more meaningful than you can realize in your future. Hurry up and accelerate to your assignment; accomplish all that God has for you to accomplish where you are so that you can successfully get to where you're going!

Friday Night Flow & Fellowship - Week One!

Join us this Friday at 7pm for a Good Friday Flow with Pastor Razel Jones, Lady Camille Jones and Presence and our special guest speaker, Pastor Eric Tolbert of Lighthouse Battle Creek. We are looking forward to a mighty move of God and flow of the Holy Spirit! Visit the facebook event page to join the conversation about the event and to let us know if you have more questions! Hope you join the flow, Friday at 7pm at Victory Life Christian Ministries, 430 N Third - Big Rapids, MI 49307! Stay tuned for more updates about the rest of the Fridays in April!

Labor and Rest

God established a system for us when we labor, then rest. Our problem is that we often either reverse the system to REST, then labor or we double up on one option and leave the other alone - i.e. labor, labor or else rest, rest. I don't know where you find yourself in this cycle of life, but I encourage you to do all you can to get to the point where you are working on the assignments God has given you, then upon completion celebrate your victory with some rest which will allow you to R.E.S.T. - 1. Reflect, 2. Energize, 3. Strategize and 4. Take-off!

1. Reflect on what you have accomplished - too many times we spend no time enjoying what we have accomplished and created.

2. Energize - get yourself ready for the next assignment. Once you've completed one, God always has another assignment for you to complete on another level and in a new dimension!

3. Strategize - make your plans for how you will accomplish your next assignment. What's your plan? You always need a plan before making a move!

4. Take-off - now that you've reflected, energized and strategized, get ready for take-off. Build up your speed and create momentum for yourself as you attack the next phase of your purpose.

Do the Rest!

Labor is what you were born to do. Work the work of Him who sent you. Work while it's day, for the night comes when no one can work.

But,

Rest is an action that we need to take. Rest is earned upon completion of assignments. Rest is essential to your success!

Create the right balance in your life of Labor and Rest!

Connected!

Last night was a phenomenal session of Connect. It seemed like everyone in the room had something good to offer to the discussion. I had been away from Connect for a few weeks and was excited to be back!

In the sanctuary, I led a discussion on movement towards your victory entitled, "Run for it!" We looked at what the bible says about running. What it means to run naturally and spiritually and how the principles of running can help us to advance towards our destiny.

We talked about how there are some things we need to run to and some things we need to run from. I would love to hear your thoughts on the subject.

Here are some questions you could answer - answer one or answer them all - it's up to you!

• What kind of a race are you in? 
• How can you train to be ready to run?
• What happens if you stop running?
• How can running connect you to your victory? 
• Who is your competition in this race?
• Where is the finish line? 
• What happens if you win the race? 
• What are you running to?
• What are you running from?
• What kinds of things prevent you, or try to prevent you, from running?

I'm looking forward to hearing from you! 

Creation

I have enjoyed the series "Let There Be." It has been exciting to look at the first initiation of God. In this season, in which we are initiating God's plan for our lives, there are so many lessons we can learn from God's initial initiation.

We are in an interesting season. We are experiencing unseasonable weather patterns; here we are in mid-March and I'm making plans for golf in Michigan - that's uncommon! God is giving us access to things that are typically reserved for later seasons. As it is with our natural weather, so it is with our spiritual atmosphere; God is giving us access to things we normally would have to wait for - speeding up production and granting access!

In our series we are approaching day six of creation. This is the day when God created mankind, but it is also the day that he created dominion for you and I. It is in Day 6 that we find out that Day 1-5 were for me. I'm looking forward to diving into this topic on Sunday as we continue this series and this season. Invite a friend and have them come out and learn how they were created to rule.

Let there be...

Connect is back!

Last night we gathered together for Connect at 7:00 p.m. It was the first time in a couple months that we had Connect due to our 10 month Connect schedule and we were ready! Sister Jessica and team put together great offerings for adults, youth and children all focused on the subject of Love. Sister Vanessa taught the adult class about the Greek meanings of 'love' and how Christ is looking for us to give this love to Him and to our brothers and sisters! I have such a great time hearing the insights of the Overcomers and friends of the ministry who attend Connect. We have some great minds in our midst. From the profound, instigating insights of Dad Jones to the sincere reflections of brand new Overcomers, Connect provides us with an opportunity to hear multiple voices and to learn and to grow from whatever stage we're at in our spiritual development journey. It was a great start to February and phase 2 of the blessings, glory and favor of 2012 at Victory Life! I'm looking forward to diving deeper into the Word at Connect, every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. from February to November! If you happen to be checking out this blog, take a couple minutes and let us know what you got out of Connect this week!

Initiated

This year's Anniversary celebration was our best yet, in my opinion. We celebrated three years in style! Marcus Cole began the celebration presenting a Worship Now Seminar which opened our minds to worship in the next dimension. Then he set the atmosphere for a dynamic service on Saturday evening, leading praise and worship with a well-prepared Presence & the Sound. What a sound! We heard from Sister Jessica and Brother Cedric and were touched by their moving testimonies of what Victory Life has meant to their lives. Then, Lady Erica Glenn blessed us with her anointed vocals, setting the stage for her husband, Pastor Jermone Glenn to come to the stage and minister the Word - and that he did with power and accuracy! We were ready to initiate... and that's just day one.

We returned on Sunday and Lady Camille and Presence and the Sound brought Heaven down during praise and worship. Sister Jamie and Sister Vanessa shared insights into what the ministry has meant to their lives. Pastor Doriane Parker-Sims came with a Rhema Word for the house and for several individuals. Deliverance fell in the room and then a song from Heaven was birthed as we declared, "It all started with a sound!" 

Day 3 came and Lady C and Presence once again led us in extreme praise and intimate worship. Sister Tonia and Minister Darius moved us to tears giving their testimonies of what Victory Life has meant to them. Dad Jones shared stories and insight into the beginnings of my ministry (he even brought pictures). Dr. Hawthorne took to the stage to bring the Word of God for the final Initiate 2012 conference service. He presented a fatherly Word, full of wisdom, confirming much of what had been said on the prior two days. 

Each speaker left a deposit in us, inspired us and gave us tools to initiate the plan of God in our individual lives and as a church body. Now, the conference is over, but the season has just begun for us to Initiate the 2012 plan of God for our lives. It is time to make movement towards the plan of God for our lives - it's time to INITIATE!

3 years of Victory Life!

It is hard to believe that Victory Life has existed for 3 years already, but today is the anniversary of our official start date. We began on January 11, 2009 (1/11 @ 1pm).

In these 3 years, Victory Life has had a life-changing impact upon the area, our Overcomers and friends of the ministry. Help us compile a history of this impact by posting what Victory Life has meant to you in your life!

Overcomers past and present and friends of the ministry, we want to hear from you. What has been the impact of Victory Life on your life?

Better Done Than Said

This year we will Initiate the plan of God for our lives.

Tell us, what are you making happen in 2012?

INITIATE 2012!

Initiate 2012

Join us January 14, 15 and 16 for Initiate 2012. 

We are celebrating our 3 year anniversary and would love to have you celebrate with us! 

Our celebration has outgrown our current building, so we have moved the festivities to The Eagles Club: 

18631 16 Mile Road, Big Rapids, Michigan

View Map · Get Directions

Schedule

• Saturday, January 14 at noon - Marcus Cole leads a "Worship Now" Seminar
• Saturday, January 14 at 7pm - Pastor Jermone Glenn with musical guest, Marcus Cole
• Sunday, January 15 at 1pm - Pastor Doriane Parker-Sims
• Monday, January 16 at 7pm - Dr. Charles Hawthorne

All events are free with a free-will offering collected. 

Come to one or all of the festivities to celebrate what God has done and prepare for what He is about to do - let's Initiate!

For more information, visit the event facebook page, email the church or call 231.796.VLIF (8543)