Victory Outreach Visalia

Just dance, my friend Your life may not be where you always envisioned it would be just yet, but all you have is now. Remove any unrealistic expectations and ...unfair demands of perfection you’ve placed on yourselfclose your eyesand just dance. Really experience life. Really experience God’s love. Enjoy the life God has given you as you cast every care on Him! See more

10 minutes of encouragement with Pastor John Rodriguez

What do you with your broken heart? What happens when you’re stuck and afraid and unsure of what to do next? It’s interesting how we so quickly want to fix thin...gs when they break especially when it’s something as personal and intimate as our hearts. But I think, sometimes, in our deep desire to fix all that is broken, we forget what opportunity it might bring to increase our faith. And to be honest, I don’t know how to patch up a heart but it might not be about patching up anything at all. Because I don’t think hearts don’t get broken [by] accident. I think hearts get broken because God is so sure that something trapped inside needed to get out so that something so much better can pour in. But it’s also not something we can ignore. Pain demands that we pay attention to it. How do you tangibly bring life back to your lifeless heart? Choose what you KNOW over what you FEEL. Memorizing what Truth says in Scripture can be one of the best ways to combat the enemy’s sneaky ways and how he twists heartbreak to become so divisive and personal. When you begin to say, I feel lonely or, I feel depressed, remember that feelings are fleeting but truth is unchanging. Identify when you begin to feel the weight of a lie that says something like, You’re unlovable, or You’re going to die alone, and replace it with what you KNOW. When you diligently work to memorize what TRUTH says, you’ll be armored up to stand against the lies that heartbreak can sometimes let seep in. Heartbreak can be a vulnerable place to be and while it’s good to be vulnerable with the Lord, you have to put on the armor of God or you’re also going to be open to attacks from the enemy. The enemy tries to play on our weakness but God can display His power through it (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Don’t just mope around expecting time to heal your heart. Time doesn’t heal your heart, Jesus does. In the midst of this season of healing and finding purpose in the pain, don’t overlook the importance of standing on the Rock of Truth when you feel like you’ve been shaken to the core: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ~ Ephesians 6:10-11. See more

10 minutes of encouragement with Pastor John Rodriguez

When you are set on fulfilling God’s purpose for your life, you must remember to release people and situations to God. Why? Because it will destroy you and will... hinder your spiritual progress if you don’t. Obey God and release them. You can’t free them by your power. You can’t deliver anyone in your own strength. You can’t change anything about that situation by yourself. You can’t, but God can. And if anything miraculous is going to happen, it’s going to be by the power of God’s Holy Spirit. Don’t take upon yourself a responsibility God didn’t give you. Don’t worry yourself trying to figure out what you can do to save them. Do only what God tells you to do and then release it to Him. I know it’s tough, but you must know that God cares for that person AND for you. Give it to Him and stand back and watch Him work. Make a list of every person you are carrying on your heart and mind. Go down the list and say, Lord, I release ____(say their name)___ to you. I entrust them to your care. Have your way in their lives. In Jesus name.

Victory Outreach Visalia

After 400 years with God leading them, the people of Israel begged for a king. God gave them Saul, then David, and the royal line marched on. But leaders are hu...mans. Humans are sinners. Only with God is law perfect, decisions just, timing right, and outcomes though not always initially desirable what He deems best. The beautiful words of the hymn Day by Day paint a comforting picture of God’s kingship over the universe. It reads, Trusting in My Father’s wide bestowment, I’ve no cause for worry or for fear. He whose heart is kind beyond all measure, Gives unto each day what He deems best. Lina Sandell Berg did not write these words blindly. At twenty-six, she watched her beloved father drown after falling off a lurching ship. Her tragic experience could have turned her away from God. Instead, like the psalmist David, she worked through her pain with Him. She continued to write hymns, many of which reflect her healing heart. She kept God King over her life. Regardless of circumstance, of what pain or joy comes to us, we can resolve that God’s law is perfect, His decisions are just, His timing is right. He only allows for us what He deems best. See more

How often do you smile? Smiling actually has the power to change your attitude. That’s right! Numerous recent studies have concluded that smiling releases neuro...peptides: tiny molecules that allow neurons to connect and communicate with each other. The neuropeptides tell your body to release endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine filling your body with feel-good vibes. Smiling literally makes you feel better. So when you smile because of your hope and faith in God, joy will follow. Studies also indicate that habitual smiling helps build stronger relationships, makes you more desirable as an employee, and improves your chances of success. Most importantly, though, when you smile, people see Jesus in you. When you smile because Jesus is the source of joy, comfort, and direction in your life, life will be good no matter what is going on around you. See more

Before Pastor Appreciation Month ends I want to say to our church that you are the best congregation Even during this trying time you show up faithfully to se...rvice I love seeing your faces in service even though we’re sitting in a cold courtyard you still show up You still continue to show your faithfulness in your giving and you have blessed and provided above and beyond measure Thank you for honoring us last Sunday We love each and every one of you and appreciate all that you do for us It is a privilege to be your pastors #vovisaliaweluvu See more