Welcome to the Victory Blog

Jace and Sarah Rabe are small group leaders who have a passion for outreach, seeking to touch the poor and less fortunate. In their own words…

As a small group leader, you have vision for your group, ideas and beliefs that you want them to grasp and understand, aspects of Christ that you desire for them to walk out in their own life, and Jace and I are no different with our group. We are passionate about putting into action what we are taught and replicating the actions and movements of Christ while He was on earth – “faith without works is dead.”

Our group is not fulfilling its purpose if we are just continually meeting in our house, learning about God’s Word, growing our own walk, and fellowshipping with each other. All of these things are wonderful and necessary, but our Christian life does not end there, and that is where our vision of reaching beyond ourselves, into the lives of others, and showing them the love of Christ, steps in.

Our small group has partnered with organizations to work with the homeless, inner city youth and children, the working poor and the elderly. We have served food and handed out clothing and blankets to the homeless; done landscaping, painting and construction projects with Street Grace; and Christmas caroled to the elderly. Through these outreaches, we learn more about ourselves – to love others, and draw closer to Christ.

And, Jace and Sarah’s passion to reach others didn’t just stop in their local community. They felt compelled to go beyond their community and do something in a country where children are orphaned…

Our vision for others and for reaching out is not limited to our own community, but it has spilled over to Benin, West Africa, where we have a non-profit, Projects for Progress. We focus on clean water, education and small business development.

One program in particular that we are seeing immediate change in is our orphan sponsorship program, Project Dado. As soon as a child is sponsored, they immediately begin to receive healthy food, vitamins, medical attention, education, and nutritional supplements. 100% of the monthly sponsorship of 35 dollars goes directly to the child. Sponsors are changing the course of these children’s lives forever by providing for their basic needs.

If you or your group would be interested in joining us in outreach in our own city or if you or your group would be interested bringing change to villages in West Africa please contact us. To find out more information on Project Dado and how to get involved click here.

Here are some of the awesome things that the members of this V•Group are saying:

• “Didn’t think I knew what to say to a person on the street/homeless. But the Lord gave me the words.”
• “I realize now that we are the hands and feet of God. We have to get out there. We have to get out of the comfort of homes/church. The war is out in the streets, not in the church.”
• “Love it! The thought of giving back instead of receiving is so much more fulfilling. Helping others in need is something everyone should participate in.”
• “I like the fact that I am actually “doing” the work of the Lord, versus only hearing and doing nothing. I am encouraged to do more.”
• “I think that the community outreach that our V•Group has done has been great and has really had a positive impact on the Community. I like that it doesn’t focus on just one particular group or need, but allows us to reach out to different members of the Community (e.g., homeless, children, the elderly). It really teaches us about living a Christian life.”
• “It has definitely shown me that we don’t have to worry about being able to do the things that God wants us to do. He gives us the strength and courage to just go out and do them.”

V•Groups are making a huge difference in the lives of individuals and transforming communities both locally and abroad. If you’re not already a part of a small group, you’re really missing out. Don’t keep putting it off, join a V•Group today!

If you’re already a part of a V•Group, we’d love to hear about and share how God has impacted your life and the lives of others through it. Please Share Your Story as an encouragement to others!

Last weekend, “Mama was in the house.” That is, my beautiful wife Colleen gave the messages in our services. And, if there’s anything she’s passionate about, it’s health. What does our health have to do with our walk with God? Well, I’ll let her answer that question:

Some things don’t add up. Although we are one of most civilized, technologically advanced and prosperous nations in the world, spending more on healthcare than any other country, the US ranks only 29th in overall health worldwide (According to the Association of Public Health Professionals). Now, 1 in every 4 Americans is obese. The fastest growing health issues in the nation stem from this, especially type 2 diabetes. We cannot continue to make poor health style choices that violate the health needs of our bodies and expect to be healthy! We must stop the practice of self-sabotage.

Why are we in the shape we are in? Lack of vision and insight into God’s ways. There is something about vision causes us to live differently! When we have a true connection with God, we see so much more. His Word becomes much more than list of do’s and don’ts – it is life to us! It satisfies and sustains us. God wants us to have a passion for health, a zeal for life!

Do you think that it’s possible to get to that place? What will help us get there? PASSION – for God, for what he wants for your life…which includes a passion for health. Don’t believe me? Read 1 Thessalonians 5:23: “I pray that God, who gives peace, will make you completely holy. And may your spirit, soul, and body be kept healthy and faultless until our Lord Jesus Christ returns. (CEV, emphasis added)

Where do we begin? How does a passion for health play out? Well. It starts by making some changes, especially in those practices that have gotten us off-track. Here are five Passionate Practices to start working on that will get you back on target:

1. Dedicate your temple to God daily.
2. Look to Jesus first to satisfy your desires.
3. Choose what is pleasing to him.
4. Be transformed rather than conform.
5. Steward his temple with love.

Remember, we belong to Him, and today is the beginning of something…the rest of our lives. What are you going to do with yours? Don’t you want to be totally devoted to him in spirit, soul AND body? If so, you’ve got to get a passion for your health. Take a moment to ask God to show you any area for which you need to repent in regard to your health. Then, reconsecrate and dedicate yourself to pursuing his highest purposes for your life.

And this was just some of what she said this past weekend. If you want more, you can watch or listen to her whole message online here. You will definitely be challenged if you do!

“I was raised in the church, but after about 17, I was doing my own thing. I married who I wanted to. I never really consulted God on how I wanted to live my life…I started stripping about four years ago. My husband and I had just gotten divorced and I had an infant to provide for, a house to pay for, a car to pay for…But then…”
~ Sheena G.

Watch the rest of Sheena’s story here:

Did you notice how central Sheena’s small group was to her healing? Here life and her walk with God just wouldn’t be the same without it. Regardless of where any of us are at in our walk, we all need to belong to this kind of community in order to grow and flourish as God intended. Are you a part of V•Groups? If not, why do life alone any longer? Join a V•Group today!

V•Groups: BIG RESULTS. small groups.

If you’re already a part of a V•Group, and God’s blessed you through it, please take a moment to let us know about it by clicking Share Your Story. Thanks!

Here’s a look at this month’s iCare focus:

Click here to give online. (be sure to select iCare in the ministry drop-down box)

There’s so much activity in our lives that steals time and energy from being in the presence of God. I saw just how much this was true last week while being snowed in…for nearly the whole week! With all that time on my hands, I got to wondering why we don’t take advantage of the fact that we can walk right into the throne room of God anytime we want, anywhere we are.

I mean, think of the lengths many of us will go to in order to meet someone famous. And, what would we do for the chance to actually spend time with them and get their input on some aspect of our lives? Yet God is SO MUCH MORE important, powerful, influential and famous than anyone like that, right? So, why do so many of us go about our lives, mostly trying to do things on our own, in our own strength and abilities, while only occasionally connecting with God, and even then, only shallowly?

These thoughts raised a serious concern for the Church: “The greatest hindrance to the advancement of the glory of God today is the church attempting to do the work of God apart from the power of the Spirit.” And actually, what with all the cutting edge technology, church growth strategies, crowd psychology and plenty of money, it’s now possible to build a large church without the help of God! But anything built in this way cannot last. If we want to have lasting fruit, as a church and as individuals, we have to develop a passion for the presence of God!

Why do we need God’s presence?

• Because we cannot fulfill the purpose for which we were put on this earth without it.
• Because we cannot overcome life’s struggles and hurts, and help others do the same, without it.
• Because we cannot experience the astounding grace of our unfathomable God outside of it.

So, where are you with God? Where is your hunger level for His presence? Wherever you’re at, there’s always room for more. I encourage you, stop what you’re doing right now and spend some time pursuing the presence of God. Let your passion begin to grow and flourish as never before!

Download, watch or listen to the entirety of this teaching online here.

Throughout the month of January, we’re highlighting various V•Groups as we lead up to our 2011 V•Group Launch on February 5th in order to give those who aren’t already in a V•Group an inside look at what they’re like. This week, we’re featuring the Brett Allen Group. Concerning this group, V•Groups Pastor Rich Mace writes:

This group was originally led by a different leader with Brett attending. But, when the leader had to leave the country on short notice, Brett was asked to take over. The transition went very smoothly and the group embraced him as their new leader. During this time, he then went on to finish his Leadership Essentials class and continued to grow himself as a leader while he created an environment of safety for others to grow as well. Every report I read from this group illustrates that God is working in a major way in them and through them. So much so, that one of the members said to me the other day that 4 of the 5 “couples” have now entered into a courting relationship. All of this group’s reports are thought provoking and generally illustrate that these people are passionately going after God!

But what does that look like? Well, to give you an idea, here are the discussion notes from one of their 2010 meetings.

We discussed hearing God’s voice. My sheep know my voice (John 10:27). One of the members of the group said they see God in the big things but have difficulty seeing him in the small things. We talked about needing to be in tune with God’s voice. God is asking us for intimacy with Him. God can speak to us in different ways. How do you discern God’s timing? You have to wait patiently for God to reveal His timing. God will open the doors but we have to be patient. We discussed stories of God’s timing in the Bible. He gave us His Word to follow. We have to follow the Word. A member of the group said they have found it more effective to read the Bible out loud. Our expectations are much too small when it comes for what God has for us. The first part of knowing God is knowing His heart. We hear God by listening to the Holy Spirit. We discussed 1 Corinthians 3:11-13. We know it’s God speaking when we are totally submitted to Him. 1 Corinthians 29:11-12. We are learning that everything belongs to God. If we know this and trust Him then we will be able to fulfill our ministry. You have to be intentional in what your ministry and purpose are. Setting goals is powerful. Jesus was focused. He wasn’t distracted. Brett encouraged the group to memorize Galatians 2:20.

God created us to live in intentional community. If you’re not a part of one already, you’re missing out. But that is a problem V•Groups can remedy. What’s a V•Group? Find out more here.

By the way, if you’re already a part of a V•Group, we’d love to hear about what God’s doing in and through your life as a result of it. Share Your Story here!

One of our major goals through this series is to become passionate about the things God is passionate about! And what is God most passionate about? Well, if we take a look at the best example we have of God here on earth – Jesus’ life as told in the Gospels – we see that one of the things he was most passionate about was prayer. Whenever you study the life of Christ, you find his life consisted of going from one place of prayer to another and, in between, ministering to people. Do you think it’s possible that perhaps the life he modeled in prayer is one He desires for us to live?

Well, over the past 30 years of my experience in following Christ, I’ve noticed a progression through three stages:

1. Desire Stage: Our main motivation is to speak with God about personal needs and desires. Most Christians never move beyond this stage.
2. Discipline Stage: We pray out of obedience, trying to build some discipline into our relationship with God.
3. Delight Stage: We’re now talking with God out of a personal relationship that we have developed. He’s our father, friend and partner!

It seems like few people reach the delight stage, but when we do, prayer becomes much more than a duty and turns into a passionate relationship we share with God! We move from trying to get God to do something for us or someone else to syncing ourselves with God and harmonizing with His heart. This is crucial because prayer can be quite frustrating if we’re not harmonizing with God. (This is why a lot of prayers go unanswered.)

James made an interesting statement about prayer that sort of sums it up: “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16 NKJ) In this one statement he boils down prayer to 3 key words:

1. Effective: The reason most people don’t pray is because they don’t pray effective prayers! To have an effective prayer life, you have to spend time in God’s Word reading, meditating and listening, so that when you pray, you are harmonizing with His will!
2. Fervent: In this context what James is talking about is being fervent (full of passion) to glorify God! We need to stop praying for a comfortable life and pray passionately for God to be glorified in our lives…whatever that will look like.
3. Righteous: There is a certain boldness in those who understand who they are in Christ. In Christ, we are made righteous.

What God is looking for is a people who will abide in His word so they get to know His ways and His will, to be fervent about living a life that brings glory to Him; and to receive what Jesus did for us by faith, believing Him for things that are beyond the possible.

So let me ask you, what are you sensing God is calling you to in 2011? What is it that you sense God is calling you to pray for that will bring glory to Him? What’s it going to take to get passionate about prayer?

Listen to or watch the entirety of this challenging message online here.

Pamela F. leads two groups – a ladies’ group on Wednesday nights and a single young women’s group in their 20′s on Thursdays. Both groups meet regularly to study, pray, fellowship, encourage one another and just have fun together. They describe themselves as a family. And, one of the strongest bonds they share as a small group is in their involvement in reaching out to their community…bringing about BIG RESULTS. Pam writes:

Every month, Shere G. (one of our members) researches and coordinates a place where we can volunteer. When we reach out to the community, the two groups usually do it as a combined effort. Some of our projects have included working with City of Refuge, Stand up for Youth and Meals on Wheels, as well as providing meals and other necessities to a young lady who is currently homeless and living in and extended stay hotel.

This past November, we volunteered at Gilgal, Inc. – a shelter for women addicted to drugs and alcohol. Annie S. (one of our members) prepared homemade lasagna, salad, garlic bread and cookies. Both groups went to the shelter, served the ladies lunch and then dined with them. We shared who we were and what being a part of a small group meant to us. The ladies introduced themselves to us and let us know how much they appreciated us coming to fellowship with them. The director, Val Carter told us about the upcoming Christmas Party and Friends and Family Day.

As we mingled with the ladies during lunch, Yewande A. (one of our members) asked Sue (Gilgal member) about Friends and Family Day. Sue said she had no family that could be with her that day. Yewande told her she would come back and be her family…and she did. In response, Val Carter, Executive Director of Gilgal, emailed me, saying:

Pam,

How special our resident Sue felt when one of your group showed up as her guest for Gilgal’s Family and Friend’s day on Saturday…I appreciate that she understood and took to heart the need for our residents to have people in their lives that care. Sue would not have had any family in attendance. This was special indeed.

Victory World Church is still blessing Gilgal. Thank you very much.

Val Cater

Gilgal, Inc.

Both groups did return for the Christmas Party on Dec. 16. We shared dinner and several games of Bingo. To the delight of the ladies we brought prizes for the winners! We also brought items from each lady’s Christmas list. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Gilgal Inc.

This is one of the many big results that come from small groups. Is your life causing big results? Are you a part of the movement? Join a V•Group today!

BIG RESULTS. small groups.

What’s a V•Group? Click here to find out what V•Groups are and how you can get involved.

Do you have a V•Group-related Story of Victory? Please Share Your Story here.

Passion: Fasting & Prayer

With the beginning of each new year, it’s good to take time to evaluate our past, face the reality of our present and develop a plan for our future. And this year, as we look forward, our focus is on PASSION – not just any passion, but a passion for God. Not the kind of passion that inspires so many New Year’s resolutions; I want to see us all have a passion that goes beyond just January. So, over the next few weeks, I’d like to establish some principles that will carry us further…even for the rest of our lives.

There are four temperatures that people live in with God:

1. Cold: God and church are irrelevant; only their world matters.
2. Lukewarm: Neither cold nor hot! Make Jesus want to vomit. (Rev 3:15-16)
3. Warm: Involved with God and church, but have no fire for God.
4. Hot: In passionate pursuit of Gods presence, power, and purpose for their lives!

When I talk about being a hot Christian, I’m talking about living with PASSION…daily, not just on Sundays! If we’re honest with ourselves, a lot of us just aren’t here. We have to start thinking differently…acting differently. But how do we get there? What is the key that unlocks passion for the things of God?

FASTING AND PRAYER!

When you read the Bible, you begin to see some common patterns that emerge in the lives of people that exhibit passion. The most common characteristic is they all understood the power of the FASTED PRAYER!

Fasting is one of the most powerful spiritual weapons believers can use, yet most Christians have never really experienced it, often believing that fasting is only for serious Christians, for spiritual crisis, to get God’s attention or to change His mind…these are all false.

HOW DOES FASTING AND PRAYER PRODUCE PASSION?

1. Fasting gives power to our willpower.
2. Fasting gets the gunk out!
3. Fasting gets you into alignment with God.
4. Alignment brings assignment!

Alignment is the place where we are positioned in agreement with God’s will for our lives and therefore ready to move forward in His assignment for our lives. In order to get in alignment with God and get rid of unbelief, we have to fast. When we get in alignment, we begin to operate in Kingdom power, and the Holy Spirit will manifest himself in everything we’re facing! The mountains will begin to move out of the way!

So, what are you believing God for in 2011? Fasting and Prayer are the fire starters that will ignite your passion and get you moving in the right direction! How about joining us for our annual 21 Days of Fasting & Prayer? Find out more here.

Listen to or watch Pastor Dennis’ full explanation about how Fasting & Prayer produce Passion here.

We invite you to join us for:
21 Days of Prayer and Fasting
January 8th-28th, 2011

The Power of Prayer & Fasting

As we enter into a new year, it’s time to honor the Lord with our annual 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting. For many years, as a church, we’ve set apart at least 21 days in the month of January to pray and fast for breakthrough in our personal lives, in the body of Christ, in our nation and in our world.

If you will be joining us, we’d like to send you an encouraging and informative email each day during the fast. These emails will serve to strengthen your spirit as you deny your flesh and will also inform you of the needs we will be praying for corporately each day. If you’re interested, you can subscribe here to receive these daily sources of inspiration.

Or, you may download a PDF version of our 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting Daily Study Guide here.

Types of Fasts - You may choose a “Daniel’s Fast” – a diet consisting of fruits and vegetables, or you can participate in a total fast, consisting of water only, or a liquid fast of fresh juices. Other ways to participate include fasting from television, radio, internet, or anything that you recognize as having control over your life. Fasting is something the entire family can participate in to varying degrees – each person in their own way.

About Fasting - It is much easier to fast while active. Fasting will cause hunger pangs initially, but you will get the energy you need from stored fat in the body. If you are under the care of a physician, please seek his/her advice regarding the level of participation that is best suited to your physical condition.

Why Fast? – Fasting is the most powerful spiritual discipline of all those discussed in the Bible. Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform your life and produce incredible results. Prayer alone is mighty, but when combined with fasting it produces a powerful force against which hell cannot prevail.

Filling Ourselves during a Fast - The secret to being filled with the Spirit of God is first to empty ourselves. Through fasting, we empty ourselves of food so that He can fill us. Food is man’s greatest carnal impulse. Fasting helps you to master this appetite. When you can control the strongest appetite, you can gain control of the other carnal appetites as well. Your appetite acts as a prayer alarm. Instead of eating to satisfy your cravings, you pray. This keeps you focused all day long. We replace pleasures of the flesh with spiritual pleasure. Psalm 34:8 says, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Taste is a trigger which sets off certain physical and mental reactions or connections. When you taste the Lord through fasting and prayer, it triggers various reactions in your heart.

Best Ways to Prepare Physically for the Fast – While hunger pangs and weakness can be expected, you need not dehydrate, faint or get sick while fasting. There are several ways to prepare yourself physically for a healthy fast:

Days before the Fast

• Stop eating foods that are high in caffeine or sugar.
• Begin drinking more water than usual.

Day before the Fast

• Eat something small every two hours.
• Avoid foods with caffeine or salt.
• Drink plenty of water.

Final Meal before the Fast

• Plan your final meal early enough in the afternoon so there’s no rush to finish before your fast begins.
• This final meal should contain high carbs and low salts.
• Don’t eat too much, but drink plenty of water

Good Advice for Ending Your Fast – After 21 days of fasting you may be tempted to “jump right back in” and eat some of the foods you’ve missed. However, it’s much better to ease back into your normal eating habits rather than suffer from an upset stomach by loading it with foods it’s not ready to digest. Here are some healthy ideas for ending your fast:

• Begin with the simple B.R.A.T. diet – Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast
• Begin with brothy soups and avoid heavy carbs and proteins
• Eat something small and light every two hours; drink plenty of water

Additional health benefits of fasting:

• The body goes through a natural detoxification process, allowing for the release of poisons and toxins from the system.
• Energy is diverted away from the digestive system due to its lack of use, and instead is routed toward the metabolism and the immune system. This allows for a swifter healing process.
• One becomes more rejuvenated due to an improved immune system, as well as the increased production of hormones.
• The body begins to use its fat stores as an energy source, which positively affects one’s cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and weight.
• Going without food imposes a mild stress on the cells of the body, causing the cells to respond by growing stronger and increasing their ability to cope with more severe stress. This causes one to become more resistant to sickness and disease.

And don’t miss PASSION 2.0 – an amazing evening of passionate worship and in-depth teaching from the word – each Wednesday during the fast -  January 12th, 19th & 26th – beginning at 7:30pm in our Atlanta Campus main auditorium (V1)! Let’s take it to another level! Click here for more info.