Tolerance

I must say that I am more than just a little bit disturbed by the headlines that top our news. Not just today’s news but the news, day after day.

Day after day the news just seems to get worse and worse. I’m not necessarily talking about the collapse of Wall Street and mortgage foreclosures. I’m talking about the ever disintegrating moral fabric that once carried more weight than the political correctness that now supersedes any and all moral convictions people used to have. In fact, I’m not sure that a significant portion of the politically correct even know what morality is anymore. It has been distorted by the voices insisting upon tolerance.

I used to like that word (tolerance). To me it used to mean patience, forbearance, and open-mindedness. Now, it has been twisted into something ugly. Now, tolerance means patience with all religious schools of thought except evangelical Christianity. Now, It means to show forbearance towards all except those who disagree with the popular opinions that are contrary to biblical moral values. It now means open-mindedness to all things except the concept of absolute truth (and the salvation offered through Jesus Christ).

In this year's Miss America pageant Miss California, Carrie Prejean, was asked how she defines marriage. She responded, marriage is a union between a woman and man. She is now being crucified by the gay community and advocates of tolerance (under the new definition of the word). Nevertheless, when asked if she had it to do over again, would she have answered differently. Her reply was, "No. There are some convictions that I cannot compromise." Isn't it amazing that everyone is entitled to an opinion except those who's convictions are shaped by the Word of God?

In 1997, the same month and year I began serving here in Northern Virginia, singer/songwriter Rich Mullins died in a horrible car crash in Chicago. Sometime before he died, he penned the following words:
If I stand, let me stand on the promise that you will bring me through.

If I can, let me fall on the grace that first brought me to you.

If I sing, let me sing for the joy that has borne in me these songs.

If I weep, let it be as a man who is longing for his home.”

The world seems to have gone crazy. Each passing day, it gets more and more difficult to stand strong. The depressing news causes us to weep. The onslaught of immorality causes us to long for our heavenly home. Nevertheless, while we await Christ's return, we must stand, sing and weep while continuing to hold up His standard...in spite of popular opinion.

So, stand strong. And, by the way, if you do happen to take a tumble, thank God that His grace is there to catch you. Not so that you will stay down and wallow in mediocrity. And not so that you can stay down and soak in compromise. But so that you will get back up and stand.

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)

From the heart and mind of Victor, to those who still believe, are still intolerant of sin and who are determined to stand strong.

Happy Ressurection Day!

It almost goes without saying that Resurrection Sunday is the most important day on the Christian calendar.

We celebrate the fact that our savior, Jesus, the son of the living God, rose up in victory and power. The Apostle Paul goes into significant detail in explaining the just how this impacts the believer:
1 Corinthians 15:14-20 (NLT) 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. 15 And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. 16 And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. 18 In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! 19 And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world. 20 But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead...

May you not forget to stop and take a moment to consider the significance of this day. And when you do…when you reflect on its implication, you will be blessed.

Happy Resurrection Day!

Cover Your Face

When you think about it, prayer is pretty amazing.

To get some idea as to just how amazing it is, read something like Isaiah 40:

" Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale? Who is able to advise the Spirit of the Lord? Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him?" (Isaiah 40:12-13 NLT)

After reading it, think about this: He is God, of whom all creation declares his glory. Yet He is so compassionate, so loving and so kind that he hears even the smallest prayer uttered in faith by a little child.

Sometimes when I walk into my office in the morning, I am overwhelmed by the need to spend some time in prayer. Yesterday was just such a morning. The urge hit me to pray. And so I did. Later, when I journaled, the words of my prayer crept into that journal. I decided to give you a rare peek into my journal and share it with you in this blog:

"Lord, I prayed covering my face from you this morning.
I prayed covering my face because your holiness is too great for me.
I prayed covering my face because my eyes cannot withstand your brightness.
I prayed covering my face because I needed to ask you for strength.
I prayed covering my face because I needed to ask you for wisdom.
I prayed covering my face because I needed to ask you for courage.
I prayed covering my face because your mercy is too brilliant for me.
I prayed covering my face because your grace is too overwhelming for me.
I prayed covering my face because I feel so unworthy in your presence.
I prayed covering my face because your presence is too magnificent for me to behold.

I prayed covering my face.

And now,...when I remove my hands from my face, let me be a little closer, a little wiser, a little stronger and a little bit more like you."

This was the prayer, on that Tuesday morning, from the heart and mind of Victor.

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen." (2 Peter 3:18 NKJV)

Servant/Leader/Steward

I've noticed that successful churches seemed to be blessed to have a lot of dedicated servants and leaders. It does not have as much to do with the size of the church. It has everything to do with the attitude of those who serve and lead.

So here is a thought for those who serve and lead.

Have you ever considered the fact that Christ has graciously given gifts to men and women for the purpose of leading and serving. At least, that's what I conclude when mix Matthew 25 with Ephesians 4.

In Matthew 25 We find Jesus speaking to his disciples in parables. He tells the story of how a rich master gives talents (a denomination of money) to each of 3 servants. Upon his return he asks them one by one to report what they did with the talents he had given them. Two of the servants had done wisely with what had been entrusted to them, to which the master replies, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' (Matt. 25:21)

These servants to whom Jesus referred may be more aptly called stewards. Did you know that, as believers, we too might categorize ourselves as “stewards?” Now, a steward is described as a person who has been entrusted with the management of estates or affairs not his own. Take a closer look at this passage and you will notice that Paul more than implies the idea of stewardship.

Now, add to this the thought that God has graciously given gifts to his stewards: "But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift" (Ephesians 4:7).

Ephesians chapter 4 is a great passage that expounds on this idea of being equipped to serve. A read through leads me to draw at least four conclusions: (1) Christ has given gifts according to his grace; (2) Christ has graciously given gifts for the purpose of leadership; (3) Christ has given gifts for the purpose of encouraging believers to service and, finally, (4) Christ has given gifts for the purpose of bringing the church into spiritual maturity. The bottom line is, Christ has sacrificed much in order to equip us to be responsible stewards and effective leaders/servants in the body of Christ.

With this in mind, we might say that, God, who is the giver of what is good and perfect, has given to men the means by which they can attend to his affairs. He has given us the “talents” to be used to manage His estate. And what are God’s “affairs?” What is His “estate?” I would like to suggest to you that at the top of the list is His church. God has “entrusted” those in leadership with the responsibility of caring for His church. Not the building…but the body.” God has declared us to be His servants, His stewards, so that we might serve in the body.

All too often we regard stewardship simply as a matter of our giving to God, but this aspect is secondary. Before we can give, we must possess, and before we possess we must receive. Therefore, stewardship is, in the first place, receiving God's good and bounteous gifts. Once received, these gifts are not to be used solely for our own good. They must also be used for the benefit of others and, ultimately, for the glory of God, the Giver.

“The steward needs an open hand to receive from God and then an active hand to give to God and to others.” (Murray J. Harris, Christianity Today, Vol. 32, no. 4.)

To state this in another and, perhaps, overly simplified way, “God gives; We get; We give.”

So, take the attitude of a servant. Open your hand and your heart to receive what God wants to give to you. And then give back to God by serving others.

Just some thoughts from the heart and mind of Victor (servant/leader/steward) Stanley

It's Not About The Man

Have you ever seen such fanfare as we have seen surrounding the inauguration of president Obama? Wow! Frankly, it would be just plan negligent to ignore the fact that history is being made right before our very eyes.

That the very mention of the name Obama can spark a plethora of emotion filled opinions is indisputable. In fact, a blog that I wrote after the election (see, “A Word About The Election” at http://www.victorstanley.blogspot.com/) sparked such a truckload passionate feedback from so many on both sides of the political fence that it left me a bit dumbfounded.

Thanks so much for your feedback. I did not expect that people would comment on my post. I was glad to see that some of you young people gave some serious thought to the political process. The right to vote is a privilege that should not be taken lightly. It has the ability to elect men and women who will leave an indelible mark on the moral fabric of our country. Please consider that during each election and choose wisely.

And now, like it or not, a new president is being inaugurated. May those of us who are believers in Jesus become more diligent in our prayers because both our country and our president will need them. Nevertheless, and though it might cause some of my readers a slight bit of discomfort, I would be dishonest if I did not admit that I am indeed moved by the historicity of the inauguration of this president. It’s not about the man. It’s about the moment.

I do somewhat recognize that it is very difficult for some to understand why, in spite of their political convictions (conservative, liberal or independent), so many are moved by this historical moment. Some of this is probably due to the fact that not all persons have shared the same life experiences growing up in America. It certainly seems that, given some of this country’s history, it has caused others to arrive at this moment and recognize its’ historical precedence. These experiences have caused many proud Americas to look beyond politics and become filled with wonder to see a person, an African American person, achieve what president Obama has. It’s not about the man. It’s about the moment.

Should our faith be shaken by this historic moment in American politics? No. Are we sometimes frustrated by politics? Yes. Are we, at times, disgusted with it? Most definitely. Is my faith shaken by it? No. That’s because my faith and convictions have been formed and shaped by God's word, not by anything that politicians and presidents have said or done. However, and in spite of having to navigate the minefield of American politics, I do greatly appreciate the fact that, for whatever reason, God has blessed me to be born and to live in this wonderful country of ours. I am, unabashedly, a proud American. And, given this historic moment, what a great time to be a proud American. It’s not about the man. It’s about the moment.

Over the years there have been many who have cheered as a rocket landed on the moon, wept as Kennedys fell, mourned as towers collapsed, and marched with King. They were significant experiences that will never be forgotten. However, and in spite of everything that we have lost, man still seems to hold on to hope. I think that is partly what so many see in the inauguration of this president. It’s not about the man. It was about the moment.

I heard it said a few weeks after the election that some were under the opinion that president elect Obama was the Anti-Christ. I doubt that very seriously. Let me assure you, I am not naïve enough to not recognize that our adversary, the Devil, continues to launch a relentless attack against the religious and moral convictions of God’s people. Furthermore, I certainly don’t know what the future holds for our government, its leaders and the decisions that they will make and how it will affect our country. I can only trust in God’s ability to use and keep us in the midst of it.

So, cast your worries and cares upon Jesus and don't miss this historical moment. Celebrate it. Besides, the way I look at it is, if Obama is the Anti-Christ, then, we would do well to head Romans 13:11: “Now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” In other words, the rapture (that moment when we believers will be caught up to be with our Lord) must be right around the corner. What a moment that will be. So, excuse me while I assume an attitude of praise. I want to be worshiping while I’m going up.

It is about the man (Jesus) and the moment.

Just some historical thoughts from the heart and mind of Victor.

Don't Be A Chicken

Christmas. I've always felt that, if there is anyone who should celebrate Christmas, it should be believers in Jesus. After all, we are among those who know the "reason for the season" (as we are fond of saying). Question. What is the reason for the season? I mean, I know what the reason is but, what does that really mean for us Jesus-followers? Hopefully it means that Christ is more to us than simply a seasonal sensation that comes around once a year. There is always such a build up to Christmas and then, before you know it, it's gone.

A week later we find ourselves ringing in the New Year. And so...here we are. The holidays are past and we are now into a new year. Hopefully, it causes you to look back to review where you've been, in order to consider where you are going.

So? Where have you been? Where are you going? Do you even know who you are? Really? I know that they are hard to keep but the new year is a great time to make a resolution to discover, more fully, who you are in Christ. The bible tells us that, in Christ, we are made new.2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come."

The problem is, we have inadvertently allowed ourselves to become so influenced, so conditioned by secular humanism that we have lost a true sense of the magnificence of Christmas; of who Christ truly is; of who we are in Him and what it really means to be made new. It reminds me of a story (and you know how I like to tell stories)

An American Indian tells about a brave who found an eagle's egg and put it into the nest of a prairie chicken. The eaglet hatched with the brood of chicks and grew up with them. All his life, the changeling eagle, thinking he was a prairie chicken, did what the prairie chickens did. He scratched in the dirt for seeds and insects to eat. He clucked and cackled. And he flew in a brief thrashing of wings and flurry of feathers no more than a few feet off the ground. After all, that's how prairie chickens were supposed to fly. Years passed. and the changeling eagle grew very old.

One day, he saw a magnificent bird far above him in the cloudless sky. Hanging with graceful majesty on the powerful wind currents, it soared with scarcely a beat of its strong golden wings.

"What a beautiful bird!" said the changeling eagle to his neighbor. "What is it?"

"That's an eagle-the chief of the birds," the neighbor clucked. "But don't give it a second thought. You could never be like him."

So the changeling eagle never gave it another thought. And it died thinking it was a prairie chicken.

So, what's the point? The point is, don't be a dumb cluck (couldn't resist saying that).

So the question is, are you a prairie chicken or are you and eagle. In Christ, you are an eagle. However, lack of faith, neglect of your spiritual man and failure to walk in the statutes and commandments prescribed in God's word may have caused you to live like a prairie chicken.

The point is, many of you do not even realize that you are an eagle. God knows your capabilities, possibilities, gifts and talents. You need to make a Resolution. Will you resolve to remain a Prairie Chicken? Or, will you resolve to have a fixed purpose; to be determined; constant; steady; bold and unflinching?

The sky is the limit. So, resolve to be that Great Golden Eagle, soaring high upon the powerful wind currents of God's Spirit. Resolve to be fully persuaded in your Heart, Mind and Body that Jesus Christ is Lord of your life. Then...live like it.

Now. Go ahead. Soar.

Just a few thoughts from the heart and mind of Victor.

Moved By Grace

Will it never end?

I'm talking about the endless struggle to be “conformed to the image of Christ.” I mean, we are told to be like Christ. This, I think, is a call for us to allow the teachings of the Savior to permeate every fiber of our being. That's a tall order but as believers we are supposed to be striving to achieve it. And yet, the longer I live the more I come to the realization that it is only through the grace of God that I’ll even come remotely close to it.

Undeniably, and I think some of you would agree, it is hard work.

Even so, it's not the trying that gets me,...it's the times that I fail that gets to me. Daily, I am faced with the reality that I fall terribly short of conforming to his image. It's because, whenever I try to do “Good,” there is that ever persistent “Bad” working against me. When the battle gets unbearable, I find myself crying out, like Paul did in Romans 7, "Oh wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" That's when the resounding answer comes, "Jesus! Jesus can deliver me!"

At this stage of my life, I have come to believe that it is good to periodically stop whatever it is I am doing, sit down for a moment and take a brief review of my life. What that does is allows for a moment to see where I’ve been. Because there just may be some truth to the old adage that, if we take the time to review where we’ve been, we can better get a bearing on where it is we want to go. You should try it sometime. However, be forewarned that looking back does not always yield all pleasant memories.

As I have reviewed my life I have found that, at times, I have failed miserably. I have found that, in spite of all the time that God has invested in me, at times, I take my eyes off of Jesus and still get caught up in the mundane cares of this world. I have found that I am still susceptible to temptations and that, if I’m not careful, sin can overtake me. In fact, if I’m not careful, the guilt and the shame of past failure will eat away at me like a cancer, leaving me weak and useless.

There have been times that I’ve thought that I was super strong. That’s when 1 Corinthians 10:12 came screaming at me, "Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall!" And, boy! Have I had some great falls in my life.

Remember how, in one of the earlier versions of the Superman series (with Christopher Reeves playing the “Man of Steel”), Lois Lane’s car is swallowed by a crack in the earth? Superman is busy saving the rest of the world. By the time he gets to Lois he has to pull her sunken, soil-filled, car out of the crevice. She is deceased. His heart is broken. He is beside himself with grief. He suddenly thrusts himself up into the atmosphere and begins to fly around the earth at lightning speed in an attempt to reverse its rotation. As he gradually succeeds, time itself begins to be reversed. Lois Lane’s car pops back out of the fissure; the crack in the earth recedes; Lois is alive again! Yay! Superman then returns the earth back to its natural rotation. Time resumes, and then he flies back down to earth and gets to Lois before the tragedy takes place. She’s saved! The end.

Have you ever wished you could do that? I have. Because if I could, I could reverse time back to every time I made a mistake, every time I failed miserably, every time I said something stupid or make a bad choice. I could reverse time and then make a different choice. Man! I would have it made. I would be perfect! Well,…not really. I would still be flawed. It’s just that you wouldn’t know it. My mistakes would be hidden behind an endless string of reversals that leave folks with the impression that I am perfect, only, it would be a false impression of perfection. The truth of the matter is, I have found that I am not perfect. I am still striving to be more Christ-like. I have found that I am still a disciple in training. Were it not for God’s grace, I don’t know where I’d be right now. One thing I do know, I’d most certainly be lost.

What about you? Have you had any struggles? Have you had any failures or weaknesses? If you have, you need to be reminded that God is really good at forgiving the past. If you have ever fallen down let me encourage you to now stand on His promises because God does not lie. If he says he will forgive, then, he really will forgive. Just ask Him. After this, if you ever fall again, may you fall on God’s Grace because it makes for a very soft landing.

It’s hard work but God wants us to be “conformed to the image of His Son,” (Romans 8:29). He wants us to be His disciples. He wants us to be Jesus followers. Nevertheless, God does not want us to be motivated by fear but moved by His grace...

...And, personally, God's Grace is a never ending and comforting refrain in the heart and mind of Victor.