Stop sinking and start floating.

I am enjoying the summer. In addition to trips to the beach, a lot of grilled food, and sun on a regular basis, one of the highlights of my summer has been taking my one and a half year old daughter to her weekly swimming lessons.

Disclaimer: I am a preacher and EVERYTHING becomes a potential sermon. 

So, while in the water, her teacher gave her the first water toy to play with and it floated on top of the water. Her assignment was to put her face towards the toy and blow bubbles while getting the toy. Then, the second water toy was distributed - it was about the same size, but this one did not float on top of the water - it sank towards the bottom of the water and her assignment was to submerge her whole face in and try to go get the sinking toy. 

It made me think - why do some of the toys float and some of the toys sink? 

Weight: The simple assumption to make involves the weight of the toys.The heavier the toy, the more likely it is to sink - seems logical, right? But, the weight alone can't be the only factor. After all, I weigh much more than the rubber shark my daughter was playing with, and I am able to float in the water instead of sinking like the toy. So, the answer is not weight. So, there have to be other factors.  

Design: The way the objects are made has to affect the flotation ability. Density is absolutely a factor affecting the ability to float. Science teaches us that if objects have dense, closely-packed together molecules they tend to sink, while loosely packed molecules have less density and tend to float. Another design consideration is if there is air inside the object, it is more likely to float. Upon further thought though, if it were only a matter of design, there would be no need to have my daughter in lessons - she would just float and swim based on design alone. I have seen a lot of people in the water who are full of air and have the same design that I have, but they tend to sink rather than float. Therefore, design affects the ability, but the answer has to be more than just design.  

Faith: It's not weight and it's more than design. I've been told that any human is designed to be able to swim, but what keeps us from swimming is fear. In order to float, a person must believe that they can and get rid of their fear of drowning. Once relaxed, we're less dense and we naturally float; but, in order to relax, we must believe in our ability to float.

Matthew 14:28-31New King James Version 

28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Today, someone reading this is facing some situations that look intimidating. You have to make a decision - will I jump into it or will I run from it - will I have fear or will I have faith - will I sink or will I float? You are designed by the Master craftsman; you are designed to float - not to sink. Psalm 139:14 declares that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. We serve a God who always causes us to triumph. Even when it looks like we're losing, there's some winning that's going to come out of it. So, I say to you today: 

1. Trust your designer - God crafted you. 

2. Trust your design - you have skills talents and abilities that are unstoppable.

3. Relax - enjoy the float. 

Floating is relaxing, but in order to enjoy the relaxing, you have to relax. Today, I challenge you to let go of your doubt; let go of your worry; let go of situations that are beyond your control. All of those things cause you to feel like you're sinking and even drowning. Let it go and enjoy the float!

Pastor Razel Jones

Take the test!

Multiple choice: Select the answer that best describes your reality.

A. Things will never get better.
B. It could be worse.

A. You might as well give up.

B. You have no choice but to keep going.

A. God will never remember you.

B. God will never leave you. 

A. My way always works.
B. God's way always works.

A. I do all things well. 

B. God does all things well. 

A. It's all about me. 

B. It's all about Jesus.  

A. I treat myself better than anyone else treats me.

B. He treats me better than I treat myself. 

A. I should complain. 

B. I should praise. 

This is the simplest test you could take - all the answers are the same. Yet and still, we often choose the wrong answer. Today, I want to challenge you to choose to B who God says you are - victorious, more than a conquerer - an overcomer! Hold on to what you know - don't let go!

Contributed by: Pastor Razel Jones

Not so random acts of kindness

August has been an incredible month! Our focus has been on outreach and on impacting our neighbors close by and around the world. Whether visiting the local nursing home to spend some time with residents, giving an encouraging word and sharing songs or sending ties to South Africa, or Rock(ing) the Block - providing school supplies, food, fun, inflatables, worship bands and more to our community free of charge, or giving away money to the community, we have enjoyed being a blessing to our neighbors with not-so-random acts of kindness! We are blessed to be a blessing and I'm so blessed to be surrounded by people who are willing to take church outside of the 4 walls! The Overcomers of Victory Life Christian Ministries are amazing - they don't flinch at the challenges presented to them and they give 100% to make sure that God is pleased and that the Victory Life vision is actualized! Now, we move into September - what has impacted you during Outreach month and how do you plan to continue the not-so-random acts of kindness in your own life?

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).  

September Consecration at Victory Life

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!

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)

The Journey: The Harvest Is Beginning

Last Sunday, July 24, 2011, God announced to His people that "The Harvest is Beginning!" To the ear of the sower this is good news. God not only informed us that a harvest is taking place but also what will occur before you will see the manifestation of the harvest. The message was pulled from the book of Ruth 1:14-18, 22. We learned that when seasons are completed (10), we move into transition (11) for the purpose of achieving order (12)! In the transition period, you will have some Orpah's and you will have some Ruth's; decisions will have to be made to either stay comfortable or go to the unknown where God is, and you must be fully persuaded and committed to your destiny. God truly spoke to me through this Word and I receive it! Tell me, what did God speak to you about?

Caleb? Where are you?

It has been a while since we've done this, but I wanted to take some time to get your feedback and takeaways from Sunday's message and start of the new series, Well Able!

We talked about Caleb's report to Moses about the Promised Land and his affirmation as he stated, we are well able to overcome! Indeed, that is the Word for you in the situations that you're facing; you are well able to overcome and to possess your promise!

I look forward to hearing what you took away from Sunday's message. It was fun to deliver it to you all - now, allow me the fun of hearing what you got out of it! Leave a comment, you're well able to do so!

Victory Life Christian Ministries Offers Many Ways To Get Involved

Are you ready to get involved now that you've had your Overcomer's meeting with Pastor Razel and Lady Camille?

Victory Life Christian Ministries has many ways areas of the ministry that might be of interest to you:

Kid's Konnection Leader (ages 6 months - 8 years)

email: christianed@victorybr.com

Ministry Attending (greeting, assistance during service)

email: inreach@victorybr.com

Clean Team (church cleaning on Sundays and Thursdays)

email: inreach@victorybr.com

Music & Fine Arts (music, audio visual, performance)

email: victorylife@victorybr.com

Victory 4U (FSU student organization)

email: v4u@victorybr.com

Victory Life Ferris State University Student Carpool

Carpool for FSU Students

To sign up for a ride to church on Sundays or special events visit www.victorybr.com or email fsucarpool@victorybr.com or call 231.796.VLIF (8543) and leave a message with the following information:

• 1. Name
• 2. Phone number
• 3. Pick up location (West Campus Community Center or Rankin Circle Drive)
• 4. Date the ride is needed

Please adhere to the following carpool guidelines:

1. Rides must be requested at least 24 hours before the service.
2. Drivers pick up from West Campus Community Center and the Rankin Center Circle Drive.
3. A church representative will call you to make arrangements the evening before the service.
4. Drivers do not make additional stops.
5. Please be timely and considerate!

Thoughts on Resilient (S-T-R-E-T-C-H)

This Sunday we looked at the story of Jesus using the 2 fish and 5 loaves to feed 5000 (John 6:1-13 The Message). Isn't it interesting how little becomes much when you place it in the Master's hands? First we see Jesus go through a process to stretch Philip's faith - after stretching faith, He stretches the little boy's lunch - after stretching the lunch, He stretched the people and put them to work gathering the leftovers.

We are resilient! We are fireproof! We are stretchy!

God is up to something among us - He's stretching our faith, stretching our resources, and stretching us! I received the first report today - just a day after the message, an overcomer contacted me and let me know that he had experienced the stretch in resources. He had an old bill that was $646 and was able to settle for $400. This individual made a conscious faith shift and mindset shift in his finances.

God stretched His faith - stretched His resources - and, is stretching him. I encourage you all to stretch your faith and watch God stretch your resources and yourself!

Affirm 2011

Affirm 2011 (January 9, 10, 11)

Join us as we celebrate two years as Victory Life, two years of pastoral ministry for Pastor and Lady Jones and as we enter year 3 and celebrate this season of Affirmation!

We are excited to have a dynamic lineup of speakers for all three days - Prophetess Doriane Parker from Kingdom Life Ministries in Grand Rapids, Pastor Eric Tolbert of Lighthouse Battle Creek and Pastor Jermone Glenn of Revolution Christian Ministries in Grand Rapids.

The celebration will be a great time in the presence of the Lord! You don't want to miss any of Affirm 2011! Hosted by Pastor Razel and Lady Camille Jones!

Read The Bible In A Year (2011)

Victory Life Christian Ministries has a challenge that will prove to be a journey that is both powerful and rewarding.

As discussed in Connect, and again by Pastor Razel during our Jan. 2 service in Big Rapids, the challenge has been issued to read the Bible during the year 2011.

Victory Life has offered several reading guides, including: bible gateway, bible study tools, or navpress (as handed out in Connect).

Strengthen your connection with His word.

Service 100

This Sunday will be our 100th Sunday service. It's amazing to me how quickly time flies. It has been a great ride! God has blessed me to pastor a phenomenal group of individuals who have grown 2gether into a wonderful family of brothers and sisters. Now, we are quickly approaching the end of the 2nd year and I am excited about what is ahead. We're preparing for our two year anniversary celebration which will be entitled Affirm 2011.

I'm excited about 2011 - it's a year when God will Affirm the ministry and the Overcomers. To Affirm is to further confirm His plan - to further establish us - to strengthen us - to release new facts to us - to show the world that we're the truth - to say yes to - to show agreement - to verify - to answer positively - to support - to encourage! Whew - I'm getting excited just thinking about this. I don't know if you all are ready for what God is about to do...

But, here we are still in 2010 - in the season of Growth. The Growth is not over yet - He's still growing us, maturing us, taking us higher, making us stronger. We've got one last month - ready, set, let's grow!

Images From A Sunday At Victory Life Christian Ministries

Here are images I shot that I wanted to share from our special Sunday (Nov. 28) service at Victory Life Christian Ministries in Big Rapids, Michigan.

Sunday was home to yet another powerful service led by Pastor Razel Jones at Victory Life over the weekend as the message was "Promote Me" for Overcomers.

Review Psalm 75: 1-10 for your Bible scripture.

With that now said, check out the latest images of V-Life:
























We had a powerful word from Pastor Razel Jones during today's service at Victory Life Christian Ministries in Big Rapids, Michigan.


















Lady C had a vacation day, but Sister Tracey and Sister Brittney were on point with awesome vocals during Sunday's service at Victory Life.
























Sister Tracey led us as she stepped in for Lady C and was phenomenal to get service started at V-Life on Sunday afternoon.















Pastor Razel takes the stage during service at Victory Life Christian Ministries in north/central Michigan in Big Rapids.

















Here is another moment of praise and worship at Victory Life on Sunday (Nov. 28).
























Minister Darius leads us during offering time at Victory Life as Bro. Cedric and Bro. Solomon stand by.
























Service at Victory Life Christian Ministries is a great time for family and friends to join together and to worship God.

Images From A Sunday At Victory Life Christian Ministries

Here are images I shot that I wanted to share from our special Sunday (Nov. 21) service at Victory Life Christian Ministries in Big Rapids, Michigan.

Sunday was home to yet another powerful service led by Pastor Razel Jones at Victory Life over the weekend as the message was "Rise and Go" for Overcomers.

Check out the latest images of V-Life:

















Sister Jessica spends a moment with God during service on Sunday (Nov. 21) at Victory Life Christian Ministries in Big Rapids.

















Lady C and Sister Vanessa give us the vocals with Brother Brian in the background on the drums at V-Life in Big Rapids.
















Sister Vanessa is back on the stage to lead us through our offering scripture at Victory Life.
























His message, Sunday, was "Rise and Go" as we explored Luke 17: 11-19.

















Minister Darius gets into praise during service on Sunday at Victory Life.

















Pastor Razel enjoys a powerful moment with God during our Sunday service at Victory Life Christian Ministries in north/central Michigan.

Photos taken by Sandy Gholston

Images From A Sunday At Victory Life Christian Ministries

Here are images I shot that I wanted to share from our special Sunday (Nov. 14) service at Victory Life Christian Ministries in Big Rapids, Michigan.

Sunday was a great service with visitors in from Detroit to support Minister Darius Ganzie, a great word delivered by Minister Darius, a great word from Pastor Razel Jones and others.

Check out the latest images of V-Life:






















God's presence was felt throughout Victory Life Christian Ministries on Sunday (Nov. 13) in Big Rapids, Michigan.






















God speaks through Pastor Razel during Sunday service at Victory Life.

















A powerful moment at Victory Life Christian Ministries as Pastor Razel had His house moving on Sunday (Nov. 13).

















Pastor Razel got quite the workout as God spoke through him.
























Minister Darius was powerful in his delivery of God's word at Victory Life Christian Ministries on Sunday afternoon in Big Rapids.

















We had the Victory at Victory Life on Sunday in Big Rapids as the His house was packed with Overcomers and other supporters of Minister Darius.
























It was a dynamic time as Victory Life Christian Ministries opened the house to guests who helped create an amazing atmosphere of worship in Big Rapids.

Photos taken by Sandy Gholston

Images From Anew 2010 Saturday Night At Victory Life Christian Ministries

Here are a few images I shot from Saturday night (Oct. 9) service at Victory Life Christian Ministries in Big Rapids, Michigan.

It's Anew 2010 at V-Life.

Check out the latest images:

















Pastor Robert Smith Jr. came to Big Rapids, Michigan from Columbus, Georgia to help bring Overcomers to a stronger relationship with God. There's no one Like Pastor Smith.

















Powerful moments of worship rocked His house during this Saturday (Oct. 9) night service at Victory Life Christian Ministries.

















A night of excellence in worship was designed to change lives as all who came to V-Life were challenged to leave closer to God than they were when they arrived.

















There was no shortage of praise on Saturday at V-Life. Michael Essex & Vision came with excellent and energetic praise!

















Here is an image of Overcomers and others in attendance at Victory Life Christian Ministries on Saturday Oct. 9 in Big Rapids, Michigan.





















Pastor Robert Smith Jr., of Columbus, Ga., gives the good word to those in attendance on Saturday night at Victory Life Christian Ministries in Big Rapids, Michigan.

















Victory Life Christian Ministries Pastor Razel Jones leads those in attendance at V-Life on Saturday (Oct. 9) in Big Rapids, Michigan.

Photos taken by Sandy Gholston

Images From A Sunday At Victory Life Christian Ministries

Here are some images I shot that I wanted to share from our Sunday (Sept. 19) service at Victory Life Christian Ministries in Big Rapids, Michigan.

Check out the latest images of V-Life:
























Sunday church service at Victory Life Christian Ministries is an important time for people of all ages and backgrounds to come and strengthen their relationship with God.

























Victory Life Christian Ministries hosts a regular church service at 1 p.m. on Sunday and hosts Connect (Bible study) Wednesday evening at 7 p.m.
























Pastor Razel leads us during yet another moment of deep worship at Victory Life.
























People of all ages join in during Sunday church service at Victory Life Christian Ministries. There are plenty of opportunities for kids to enjoy church services at V-Life.
























Pastor Razel leads us in song during a moment of worship at Victory Life Christian Ministries in Big Rapids, Michigan. Church service begins at 1 p.m. on Sunday afternoons.















Here is a wide-angle shot of a nearly packed house at Victory Life Christian Ministries in Big Rapids this past Sunday.