I LOVE To TELL THE SToRY
I LOVE To TELL THE SToRY E X P R E S S I N G t h e B E A U T Y o f G O D ’ S C R E AT I O N t h r o u gh P H O T O G R A P H Y
b y C H A R L E S F. S T A N L E Y
Copyright © 2012 by Dr. Charles F. Stanley Published by In Touch Ministries, Atlanta, Georgia, 30340. Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright ©1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org) All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other—without the prior permission of the publisher. OUR AWESOME CREATOR 6
FOREWORD As a lifelong photographer, I’ve greatly enjoyed seeing and sharing in the vision of others. What is in a man’s heart will find its way into the images he captures. The extraordinary work in this book is a testament to the heart of Charles Stanley. I’ve been honored to call Charles one of my best friends for many years. We’ve shared great photographic adventures together, and he’s had a profound impact on my walk with our Lord. For years, many of Charles’ other photographer friends and I have encouraged him to produce a book of his favorite work. I’m so pleased to see this project come to fruition. Charles Stanley is a masterful storyteller, teacher, and mentor, and in this book you get a glimpse of his vision of God’s great creation. For decades he has taught and inspired Christians around the world in their daily relationships with God. Now you can share in this intimate look at his passion for photography and share in the great joy God has given him through the practice of this craft. We learn in Scripture that God desires to not only meet our needs but also to give us the desires of our hearts. I know God has blessed Charles with the renewing pleasure of photography in his life. So sit back, relax, and enjoy your journey through this wonderful collection of Charles' work. In it you will discover the authenticity of a man whose heart belongs fully to God and whose vision has been inspired by that relationship. I promise, you will be blessed.
Bill Fortney Galatians 2:20
"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." —Galatians 2:20
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Dear Friend, I became interested in photography in 1962, during a mission trip to Haiti. At the time, I didn’t even own a camera and had to borrow one. But from those first black and white prints, I was riveted by the experience— photography became my favorite hobby. This is because each image tells a story. Perhaps it captures the face of a loved one, a history-making moment, or the majestic beauty of a landscape; and it calls important emotions, truths, and memories to mind when we look at it. For example, I took the photograph of the locked red door (right) while on a trip to Greece. It always reminds me that Jesus said there is only one door to heaven (John 10:9). There are no side or back entrances. There is only one way to access eternal life—through the blood of Jesus Christ sacrificed on Calvary (John 14:6). This has been the story I’ve loved to tell since God called me into the ministry at the age of fourteen—the good news of our salvation and our loving heavenly Father’s activity in our lives. And this is the message of my photography: we can see the wisdom, splendor, and sovereignty of the Lord in every part of His creation. The truth is, of everything God has brought into existence, the masterpiece He loves most is you. Therefore, I pray that as you look at these images, you will not only enjoy the beauty of creation but will also be drawn closer to the Creator. To our God be all the glory, honor, and praise.
Prayerfully yours,
Charles F. Stanley
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I love to tell the story of unseen things above, of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love. I love to tell the story, because I know ’tis true; it satisfies my longings as nothing else can do. I love to tell the story, ’twill be my theme in glory, to tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.
“I Love to Tell the Story” by A. K. Hankey, 1866
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I LOVE To TELL THE SToRY
. . . ABOUT OUR AWESOME CREATOR
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God Is Creative
16
God Is Unchanging
24
God Is Wise
32
God Is Powerful
41
God Is Holy
47
. . . ABOUT OUR CARING FATHER
52
God Redeems Us
55
God Loves Us
60
God Guides Us
68
God Protects Us
75
God Never Fails Us
82
. . . ABOUT OUR CHRISTIAN WALK
88
Love Him Deeply
91
Depend Upon Him
98
Seek Him Faithfully
106
Obey Him Joyfully
113
Spend Eternity with Him
118
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GOD IS CREATIVE Cape Flattery, Washington, is the northwestern-most point of the contiguous United States. British Captain James Cook named it on March 22, 1778, during his third exploratory expedition of the Pacific Ocean. During this voyage, he also became the first European to view the Hawaiian Islands. This photo from Cape Flattery (right) is a perfect example of God’s infinite power to paint. Since time began, no two sunsets have been alike—they have each been distinct and unique. Our Father is wonderfully creative, but we can miss His activity. While I was photographing this scene, two men came by. They didn’t seem interested in the amazing colors of the evening sky or the eighty-foot wall of sheer rock with crashing waters at its base. They just wanted a photo of themselves so they could tell others they had been there. That’s the way a lot of people are. They miss God’s best in life because they are so consumed with their own purposes and goals. But there is nothing more awesome than to know that your heavenly Father loves you unconditionally. He is working in your life in resourceful and ingenious ways. Don’t miss it. Keep your eyes on Him.
“I am the LORD, and there is no other; besides Me there is no God. I will gird you, though you have not known Me; that men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun that there is no one besides Me. I am the LORD, and there is no other, the One forming light and creating darkness, causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the LORD who does all these.” —Isaiah 45:5-7
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This pdf is a preview. The complete photo book can be purchased at the In Touch online store.
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