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Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Anti-trust (No, Not That Kind...Read On)

Call me stupid. Call me crazy. Just don’t call me late for supper. And don’t send me e-mail!

Perhaps it was naïveté, just too trusting, but I made a mistake. In an effort to keep in closer touch with you, the reader, I posted my e-mail address at the end of every posting. Because of this, I have begun to receive a large amount of spam. It’s usually the same thing: something like a photocopied stock tip or something, but I’ve received about 20 of the messages over the last couple of days.

This has forced me to delete my old e-mail account for this blog. Most of the people who read this particular blog know my primary e-mail address and use it, but unfortunately, I will no longer receive messages at my old address.

Should you care to contact me, you may leave a comment with your e-mail address, and I will send you a message. I moderate all comments, so your own e-mail address will not be posted in any way on my blog or in my comments. I will be sure to delete any messages with personal e-mail addresses in them.

As for a regular entry, I hope to post a new one within the next week. I am currently involved in a few other outside projects which require my attention. As the year is coming quickly to a close, church issues demand my attention, in addition to the regular issues pastors face, as well as other writings and sermon preparations.

So, the next couple of weeks are up in the air for Soulscape. But rest assured if I am unable to post in the near future, I have NOT abandoned the blog! In the words of General Douglas MacArthur, or better yet, the words of the Lord, “I shall return!”

Lord willing! ;-)

© 2006, Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press. All rights reserved. All material printed on this site is protected by the copyright law of the United States. It may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press, obtainable by leaving a comment (with your request) which will be forwarded to Chris Keeton. Altering or removing any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content is not permitted. Any and all portions of material copied from the Soulscape Blog must be properly attributed to Chris Keeton and Soulscape, and cited with original blog web address.

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Sing a New Song

Ephesians 5:19-20
speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Have you ever noticed that it is almost impossible to sing when you’re in a bad mood? I’m not talking about singing along with a lot of what the world calls “music” these days, nor am I speaking about “singing the blues.” For the most part, when you sing with normal, everyday songs, especially church songs, you begin to feel better.

There is great truth in that fact, and great truth and joy in the verses above. Paul gives us not only sound spiritual advice, but the Lord speaks directly through these words in order to help us keep our lives in good working order.

All one has to do, especially during this particular time of this year, is turn on the television, and find that political ads reign supreme. As of this writing, the “mid-term” elections are about two weeks away, and at this very moment, a political ad is playing on my own television. With each passing day, the ads grow more and more negative. No longer is a campaign about issues or what is best for a district or the nation. It’s about whose character isn’t as ruined as the other candidate’s character.

Years ago, I wrote something down in the back of my Bible: When it comes to mudslinging, not only does the victim get dirty, but so does the one doing the throwing. No one wins in this type of campaign; the candidates of both sides, and the voters themselves, suffer the results. In a recent message, I said that in churches, some people will say, “We need to elect so-and-so to some office, because they’re mad that they’re not already on the committee, and if we don’t elect them, they’ll leave.” And my response to that was, “If that’s their attitude, do you really want that kind of person leading your church?”

Attitude is everything, and the verses above address that very issue. There is a two-fold meaning in the verses, the first being a personal attitude/relationship with the Lord, and the second being the attitude/relationship of others to the Lord.

As I mentioned at the onset of this entry, it’s nearly impossible to stay in a bad mood when you begin singing. By reflecting on the music of the Lord, and by the melody within your own heart, you begin to feel a lift, and in seeing past the moment or pain or despair you find you can truly give thanks to the Lord for all He does. You see, it’s difficult to be a help to others if you yourself are in need of help. And the Christian life is more than just about you; it’s about others.

The Lord therefore, through the pen of Paul, encourages us to speak to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, and using the melody of our life to help encourage others. Again, think of those political ads. Does anyone feel better after seeing one of those ads? Does anyone feel more patriotic or enthused about voting or about the democratic process? How many minds are really changed by seeing such negativity? The same rings true for the Christian walk.

There is no shortage of negative thoughts and feelings in the world today, and there is one remedy: the good things of God. The Christian is the representative of the Lord to the world, and as His representative, we have a responsibility to show Him, to truly be “Christ-like.”

Negative and positive cannot exist in the same place, as one cancels the other. Therefore, when we have negative feelings or thoughts about another person (as we sometimes do as human beings, whether they are co-workers, family members, or fellow church-goers), we should give thanks to the Lord for what He has done for us. We should see those people as an opportunity for God to bless them and us by teaching us what it means to be a child of the King.

And the real beauty? You don’t have to be able to carry a tune in a five-gallon bucket in order to fulfill this directive from the Lord. Music, the tunes and notes we hear, are certainly beautiful, but it’s the words that give the meaning. For instance, if someone begins to hum the tune to Amazing Grace, you recognize the melody, but you mind is taken back to the words. Without those familiar and truth-filled words, the music becomes just another song in a world overflowing with songs.

When you approach others with the right spirit and attitude, you not only help and encourage them, you are also living where the Lord wants you to be, and your own relationship to Him is strengthened. By making this spiritual music to one another, we are, in fact, making a beautiful melody to the Lord. As you focus on our Savior, praising Him and serving Him by your attitude toward others, the words of another song become our reality:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
So don’t be afraid to sing your song to the Lord. Let your words be at all times seasoned with the grace of God. Be that source of inspiration, hope and love that those around you so desperately need. And in the process, you yourself will find the face of God smiling down on you. Then you’ll truly have something to sing about.

© 2006, Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press. All rights reserved. All material printed on this site is protected by the copyright law of the United States. It may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press, obtainable by writing to
soulscape@alltel.net. Altering or removing any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content is not permitted. Any and all portions of material copied from the Soulscape Blog must be properly attributed to Chris Keeton and Soulscape, and cited with original blog web address.

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Some Vacation Down Time

I don’t know if I’m the only one who thinks this way, but I believe that a six-day trip/vacation is only three days. Day One and Day Six are spent in travel, in our case it’s driving, and it’s eight hours with stops along the way. That’s okay, I don’t mind the traveling, but having those four days in between is wonderful.

The real problem is that there’s so much to see and do. As for this trip, there were several Civil War historical sites, Washington, DC, sightseeing, and many other options. And among those just listed, there are countless choices. For instance, it is impossible to really see even one site in the capital. This trip, we visited the Natural History museum and Ford’s Theater. The other museums, monuments, and other choices just had to be put off.

Within a few miles of our Bed & Breakfast there are five different battlefields. We were only able to visit one. This evening, we had planned on visiting a little restaurant we found last year. We pulled into the parking lot, walked to the door, and saw a “For Sale” sign. Sometimes the best of plans just don’t work out.

But today was just what I’d call a “relaxing” day. I went out for about an hour, perused a local museum/shop, then came back and took a nap. The weather was slightly cool, in the mid-60s, with overcast skies. Today was the day with no schedules, no timetables or anything else. It was just a pulling together of all the fraying strands of everyday life and bringing them back into a somewhat stronger and rested rope. That probably didn’t make sense, but it’s kind of late as I write this.

At my church’s Wednesday evening Bible study, I have for several months been taking a look at the Snapshots of Mark, pictures of Jesus that Mark gives to us concerning who and what Jesus was, and how we can apply it to our own lives. In a recent study, we looked at Jesus as fully human, as was His disciples, and that they were at the point of exhaustion. Jesus knew this, and knew His disciples (and He Himself) were in need of some rest. That is something a pastor knows first-hand.

I’ve found it difficult to leave my congregation for an extended length of time, even just a week, because I love the people and the job so much. But one of my congregants said something to me a couple of years ago. She said, “How can you take care of us if you can’t take care of yourself?” She was saying that if I kept going without some time to rest my mind, spirit and body, I wouldn’t be much good to anyone. That was a good point, and made it easier to take a vacation.

We’ll be back on the road tomorrow, after a final breakfast at La Vista Plantation, headed toward the familiar sights and sounds of home. It will be good to be back, but I will miss this time. Still, I’m glad I was able to spend some quality time with my family, visiting some sites that were important to me, and get some rest.

But what it best about this trip is that I feel that I have grown closer to the Lord. He has helped me in the ways that I needed help, He has spoken the words to me that I needed to hear both for comfort and guidance. And through this trip, He has helped me to grow in my knowledge of the Scriptures.

If it is the Lord’s will, perhaps we will visit here once again in the spring, and bring some friends or family with us. For now, though, it’s one more night in our “home away from home” in the beautiful countryside of Virginia, and prayers for a safe journey ahead. I would encourage you to take some time, whether it’s a week, a day, or just an hour, and spend it with the Lord. Read a little of His Word, take a walk away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, enjoy the scenes of God’s creation, and just turn your mind and heart toward Him. I assure you that you’ll be glad you did.

© 2006, Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press. All rights reserved. All material printed on this site is protected by the copyright law of the United States. It may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press, obtainable by writing to soulscape@alltel.net. Altering or removing any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content is not permitted. Any and all portions of material copied from the Soulscape Blog must be properly attributed to Chris Keeton and Soulscape, and cited with original blog web address.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

The Last Full Measure

This day, Day Four of the vacation, was perhaps the most relaxing and most thought-provoking. As anticipated, my family and I spent some quality time perusing what remains of the Fredericksburg battlefield, most of which is composed of a couple of acres of still-empty battlefield space and a National Cemetery on the high ground, Marye’s Heights.

It might seem strange for a man to take his wife and three-year-old son to a battlefield and cemetery, but any history ‘nuts’ out there will certainly understand. The open spaces allowed my son to burn off some excess energy by running and playing, giving him the freedom to roam while allowing us parents to watch at a safe distance.

As I said in yesterday’s entry, there are places in our country that are indeed hallowed ground. The land we visited today, while showing little or no scars of the carnage and devastation of nearly 144 years ago, there is still enough there to cause the heart to ache at the senseless loss. Thousands gave their lives for their cause, on both sides, and the soil still holds the blood of the brave brothers who faced one another with the hope that they would never have to do this again.

Each time I have been behind the Stone Wall, have walked the Sunken Road, my eyes fill with tears at the absurd attack by the North, and the perfectly impregnable defenses of the South. But the real emotion came on the heights above. You see, the current city of Fredericksburg grew up on the very sites of battle; quiet streets, modest homes and various businesses occupy the once empty fields of horror. The reminder of what really happened now lies behind and above the Stone Wall.

Thousands of dead soldiers, mostly Union men, are now interred in the Fredericksburg National Military Cemetery, along with soldiers of other eras. Row upon row of small marble blocks dot the top of the hill and the tiered slopes of the cemetery where once brother fought brother to a bitter and bloody end. A name here, a larger monument there, but many of the 7,000 markers simply have a number.

Allow me to correct that: there is a series of numbers, and below that another number. For example, the top number may say something like “3462” on top, and just below, the number “7.” The top number indicates the grave site. The bottom number indicates the number of bodies laid to rest in that one plot, “known but to God.”

In many battles of the Civil War, soldiers would write their names on pieces of paper and pin them to their uniform, so that after the battle, their body could be identified. How many families were simply notified that their father, son, husband or brother gallantly and bravely died in service to their country, never to be certain where the remains of their loved one were placed. And what of those men who somehow knew they would not return to their camp after the battle, and may never be identified?

As my son walked through the little headstones, I looked out on what remained of the battlefield, which Confederate artillery commander Col. Edward Porter Alexander described by saying, “A chicken couldn’t live on that field,” and looked around me at the human cost, reduced to 6x6, numbered marble stones. These men truly did give their “last full measure of devotion,” as Lincoln called it, because many of them not only gave their lives, but they gave their identity, they gave their name.

How many of those souls had placed their trust in the Lord? How many entered Heaven’s gates at the end of a musket, the small lead ball or the blast of a cannon ushering them into eternity? How many left this world only to face a horror unlike anything they’d ever faced in battle?

Five months after the battle of Fredericksburg, another battle took place, just down the road a few miles, at a place called Chancellorsville. One of the men who lost his life at this battle was perhaps the most talented and important soldier of the war, for either side: Lieutenant General Thomas Jonathan Jackson, known to history as “Stonewall” Jackson. Accidentally shot by his own men, Jackson died of pneumonia a week later, on May 10th, 1863. He was carried from the battlefield by ambulance, a wagon pulled through the countryside on dirt paths, across plantation fields to a field hospital several miles from the front. That road passes in front of the house from where I write this very entry: Guinea Station Road.

Just a few miles down the road is the Stonewall Jackson Shrine, a small, white plantation office house where General Jackson was to recuperate after the amputation of his left arm from battle wounds. The main house, owned by the Chandler family, sat just a few yards away (this house has been gone for several decades), and it was in this home, and around the property, that thousands of men prayed for Jackson’s recovery.

Jackson was a devout man, one who believed that no matter what happened to him, he was in the hands of God. It was on a Sunday that as the general lay in the small room, gasping for air, in the delirium of impending death, that he spoke his final words: “Let us cross over the river, and rest under the shade of the trees.” Then, it was over. The only sound was the deafening silence, harshly punctuated by the one-second rhythm of a clock sitting on the mantle.

Today, I stood in the room, looking at the very bed on which Jackson died, seeing the same blankets, the chair and couch, the small table, the sun shining through the window and filling the room with light. And on that mantle was the same clock, diligently wound and ticking, reverberating like a blacksmith’s hammer on a hard, cold anvil. Although it has been 143 years and 5 months to the day since that bright spring Sunday, the weight of that day still lay heavily in the room.

I could almost hear the gentle footsteps as the family, doctors and staff left the small white building, the sobs of battle-hardened veterans mourning the loss of their leader, and the high wail of the Rebel yell given in salute to their fallen hero. But in this sadness still tangible these many years hence, there was also a feeling of peace and joy. I believe this feeling comes from the fact that in his last moment of earthly life, Jackson left the testimony of a true believer.

We look back with 20/20 hindsight, judging the men and the motives by modern sensibilities and social norms. We say, “The South was for slavery and for disunion, therefore they must all have been evil, Godless people.” But I believe President Lincoln said it best in his second inaugural address: “…with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who has borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.”

Jackson, and so many others on both sides, did the best they could do with what they believed as the right cause. Most who fought for the South did not own slaves; many, like Jackson and Lee, wanted freedom for the slaves, and were fighting for one simple cause: the protection of their home. Many in the North fought to free the slaves, while others also were fighting for their home. The difference? For many in the South, their home was their state, and in the North, their home was their country, the United States of America. I believe the “Cause” of the South was wrong, but one cannot deny their bravery and valor; and ultimately, they were still Americans.

We today still fight for causes. Some of us fight for our country in the armed services; others fight ideologically by standing for the right, as God gives us to see the right. By seeking the Lord’s way in life, with Christ as our Savior and Lord, and living with a clear conscience before Him, we are not so much different from those who gave their lives upon the hallowed grounds upon which I walked today. In the end, we must do what we feel God leads us to do. Then one day, we will face our own earthly end, and if we are holding to the hand of Jesus, we, too, will cross over the river, and rest beneath the shade of the trees. What a day that will be!

And when I think of sacrifice, I cannot help but think of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus for us. When He lay down the glory of heaven and wrapped Himself in a body of flesh like yours and mine, then went that cross for our sin, my heart breaks, while simultaneously leaping for joy. On that cross, separated from the Father because of the sins of man, because of my sin, He gave up everything for me. He gave His last full measure of devotion to us all. “Father, forgive them.” That forgiveness belongs to us all, if we accept it, and I praise God that His forgiveness is mine.

Also in his Gettysburg Address, President Lincoln gave lasting words for America and the world, and if I may be so bold (and with apologies to Mr. Lincoln), I wish to adapt that eloquent speech to fit this spiritual application and to close this entry:

Nearly one hundred score years ago, our Father brought forth into this world a new hope, conceived in faith, and dedicated to the proposition that the souls of all men might be free. Now, each day we are engaged in a great spiritual war, testing whether that salvation and truth, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. Our hearts are the great battlefield of that war. We pray this day to dedicate our hearts as a memorial to the One who gave His life so that we might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But in one sense, we cannot dedicate, consecrate, or hallow ourselves. It was that Loving and Kind Savior who lived and died for us that enables us to dedicate our lives to His purpose, far beyond our own power to add or detract from it. The world may little note nor long remember us and what we do here in our time on earth, but it can never forget what He did there on the cross of Calvary. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated to the unfinished work of spreading the Gospel, which He called for us to nobly advance. It is rather for us to here be dedicated to the great task remaining before us – that from His death and resurrection we take increased devotion to that cause for which He gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here and forever highly resolve that He shall not have died in vain, that this Church, founded upon His blood, shall have a new birth of courage and freedom, and that our great eternal hope, of the Lord, by the Lord, and for the Lord, shall not perish, but have everlasting life.

© 2006, Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press. All rights reserved. All material printed on this site is protected by the copyright law of the United States. It may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press, obtainable by writing to soulscape@alltel.net. Altering or removing any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content is not permitted. Any and all portions of material copied from the Soulscape Blog must be properly attributed to Chris Keeton and Soulscape, and cited with original blog web address.

Monday, October 16, 2006

More Than Just History

As I have alluded in prior posts, I have had chronic stomach problems for over twenty years, and recently I was prescribed medicine to help with it. Still, I have had some difficulties in that area, though not nearly as severe. About twenty minutes into the trip on Day One, we stopped at a rest area (my son is still trying to get the potty training down, so when he says he has to go, we stop ASAP!). My stomach had been bothering me, so I began to pray, claiming the victory of healing through the love and power of Christ.

As we left the rest area just a dozen miles from home, my wife said, “David was praying for your tummy to be better.” And, not surprisingly, it has been better for the whole trip. Thanks be to God.

So, Day Three began with a French toast breakfast and the obligatory entertainment by David for our host and the other guests. After David had his bath, it was off to our nation’s capital, Washington, DC. I had never been to Washington before last year, a surprise for all who know my fanaticism with history. After getting lost a couple of times, driving around the National Mall for two hours, and being sick, the two days in Washington last year were not as enjoyable as they could have been.



I was excited to once again visit DC, this time with cooler temperatures and better health. As we approached the capital from the south on I-95 and I-395, I caught a glimpse of the Washington Monument towering over the skyline, and I got chills. So many emotions in thinking of our history! We passed the Pentagon, and those memories of that terrible day five years ago were still vivid. But we were back, this time with a map that took us directly to the underground parking garage we’d accidentally found last year. Eighteen bucks is a small price to pay for quick and close access to your vehicle, especially because of what’s on the same block: Ford’s Theater.

Ford’s Theater was where John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Abraham Lincoln on Good Friday, April 14, 1865, the president passing at 7:32 AM the next morning at the Peterson Boarding House across the street. Last year Ford’s was closed when we visited, but this time, while we didn’t get to go into the theater proper, we did get to visit the downstairs museum. There were so many artifacts and small pieces of history that I was speechless, which is no small feat for those who know me. I gained so much valuable insight that my friend’s and my pet writing project has received a wealth of information that will help us greatly.


We also visited the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, which was fascinating as well, as I have never been to such a museum before. And while we didn’t get to go to any of the monuments this time (due to the patience of a three-year-old who desperately needs a nap), I still had a pretty good time. I guess the reason is that, even though there is so much politicized division and scandal, the capital represents all that is good about America. The giants of our history saw many of the same sights, walked the same paths, shared the same dreams as the millions who visit each year.





********************************


Looking at the Capitol dome
rising majestically at the eastern end of the mall, the Washington Monument at the western end, I couldn’t help but feel a deep connection as well as a reverence for the place that has truly changed the world.

But for all that Washington, DC, represents, all the many great statesmen who have made a difference, none compare to a simple carpenter from Nazareth. There are still a few places in the United States I’d like to see, and some other places around the world, what I do or do not get to see doesn’t compare to what I have already seen and experienced in my heart through faith, and what I will one day see when this life is over.

I do think I’ll wait until David is a bit older before returning to Washington again, but even if I never get to see those monuments of the history that mean so much to me, that’s okay. As great as I believe this country is, despite all the problems, I’m living for another country, looking forward to a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

There has probably never been, nor will there ever be, a president who has affected our nation more than Abraham Lincoln. But as much as he did, as much an effect he gave to the world, it cannot compare to the impact Jesus has made on the world, and in the lives of those who love Him. All of history centers upon Him, the past, present and future all pointing toward what He did for us, and what He will continue to do for us.

So Day Three of the vacation has come to a close. The wife and son are asleep, Jay Leno on the television, and my legs slowly losing feeling here on the couch. If the Lord wills, perhaps we will visit a few more, closer sites, those areas hallowed by the blood of thousands of Americans, North and South, whose struggle helped shape us into the nation we are today. I look forward to once again visiting the former fields of battle, long since quiet and peaceful, yet transporting the visitor back over 140 years to a time when our future was so uncertain. And I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you, especially how those thoughts move me toward thoughts of Jesus, without whom all of this, and all of us, are nothing.

© 2006, Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press. All rights reserved. All material printed on this site is protected by the copyright law of the United States. It may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press, obtainable by writing to soulscape@alltel.net. Altering or removing any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content is not permitted. Any and all portions of material copied from the Soulscape Blog must be properly attributed to Chris Keeton and Soulscape, and cited with original blog web address.

The Web

**NOTE: Due to some computer issues, I was a day late in posting. My apologies. I will post one entry from my vacation per day from this point on. Also, as soon as Blogger will cooperate, I will enhance the entries with photos.**

Please bear with me at the beginning of this entry, as I detail the first couple of days of my vacation. After the first few paragraphs, I get to the point!


On the Road



David enjoying the Scenery



A chilly group of travelers


It’s always been hard for me to count the first day of vacation as “Day One,” because usually it’s spent driving some long distance. This time, it was nearly 400 miles, eight hours (if you include a few stops along the way), and finally we arrived at “our” Bed & Breakfast, La Vista Plantation in Fredericksburg, VA. This is our third time visiting this place, and after all the packing and driving and unpacking, it was nearly time for bed. Day One was in the books.
La Vista Plantation Bed & Breakfast, Fredericksburg, Virginia

Day Two, Sunday, October 8th, is another story. Today is my birthday (I’m writing this on the 8th, but it won’t be posted until I get back home later this week), and it’s the first time I’ve been away on my birthday. It is also the tenth anniversary of the passing of my grandfather. So, with my wife being out of school this week, my birthday, church homecoming next week, this was the perfect time to get away and clear my mind.

We found a church to attend this morning, and it was interesting as a pastor myself to watch another church honor their pastor. October is Pastor’s Appreciation Month, and most celebrate it today. While I was away from my own church, though, it was good to worship with more of the Family of God.

After church, we had a nice birthday lunch at the first restaurant my wife and I visited after we got married nearly six years ago. Then, it was back to La Vista for my 3-year-old’s nap. I told my wife I was going to take a walk around the grounds, to spend some time alone with the Lord, so off I went as the rest of the family began enjoying the “resting” part of the vacation.

I wandered the grounds, meandering through the “secret gardens,” little paths lined with various plants, all beneath a canopy of ancient trees. The plantation house itself sits a quarter- to half-mile away from the road, but it still within a mile or two from I-95, so there was the constant yet slight sound of traffic, inbound and outbound from Washington, DC. Nevertheless, it was tranquil enough to take me out of the stressful world for a little while.

Walking among so many trees and bushes this time of year is like running an obstacle course. The obstacles? Spider webs, those invisible strands that break with a little pressure but are strong enough to feel disgusting on your face. After destroying the good work of so many little spiders, I happened to glance to my left. From the sunlight coming from just behind and above, I saw three or four shimmering strands of yet another spider’s web. But this one was different. They were moving, pulsing in a semi-regular and rapid rhythm.

I could clearly see the anchoring strands, so I moved in very closely, and saw the small spider, about the size of a match-head. Usually I see a spider web in my path, I knock it down, move on. I see a spider in the house, I kill it and go on about my day. But this time, I did something I’ve never done before: I watched.

Granted, I’ve seen those high-speed videos on the Discovery Channel, images of lightning-fast spiders making intricate webs. This time, though, I just stood and watched. If you ever get the chance, even just once, I highly recommend it. I learned a lot about spiders today, but I also learned about the Christian life. That’s the beauty of the Lord: spend some time with Him, and He can speak to you in the most unexpected places and ways.

The little spider started in the middle, where the long strands converged. They were all connected with another strand at about a five-inch radius from the center, encircling the edge of what would become the web. And from that center, the spider began moving clockwise. It’s little legs would reach forward to grab the next long strand, would pull it closer, attach a new piece to one of what I will call the “spokes”, then moved on to the next spoke, repeating the process, lap after lap, using the previous line as a guide to place the next strand.

I noticed that the distance between the spokes was growing wider the further out the spider moved. I noted how it seemed to struggle just to reach and complete the next step. After about half the web was done (at least to my view) the spider could no longer reach the spokes. It was then that it changed directions, began moving counterclockwise, the spokes now within reach. After several more minutes, the spider had reached the outer loop; it looked complete. Then, the spider continued.

It began moving back toward the center, more laps, now filling in the spaces in between the strands it had just spent a half hour or more laying down. This time, though, as the spider moved, it tightened the web, pulling all the strands tighter and tighter, sealing the connections with sticky web, then moving on. Closer and closer to the center, the spider web, once about ten inches across, had been reduced to a compact five or six, with just millimeters in between each strand. Then, it was over. The spider had returned to the center, had placed its legs on different spokes, and waited for dinner.

Now, most people would say, “Spiders are usually considered negative little creatures,” and until today, I would have agreed. Sure, I enjoyed looking at the dew-covered webs on crisp fall mornings, but after watching this wonder of God’s nature being created, I learned a lot about how the Christian life works.

There was no way the spider could see the plans, could view the overall project, as the web was many hundreds of times larger than itself. But within the spider was the instinct of what to do, how to move, and so that’s what it did, focusing on the problem in front of it: making it to the next spoke, spinning its web, moving on. We don’t know the whole plan, which is infinitely larger than ourselves, but inside us, we know we have to keep moving, meeting each individual challenge, then move onto the next.

When the spider could no longer continue clockwise, it turned and moved another way. In this, I learned that sometimes, we realize we can’t just keep going the way we have always gone, doing things the way we’ve always done things. No matter how much we try, how much we stretch, it’s just not going to work. So we shouldn’t be afraid to turn around and move in a different direction. Remember the big plan: we can’t see it all, but we know we have to keep going. Sometimes, though, it just requires that we try a different approach.

As the spider moved back toward the center, I realized that as good as things may look, as good a job as we have done, we need to remain vigilant in our work, and tighten things up. We can always be better, we can always fill in the gaps and make life more of what God wants it to be.

And then, as the spider settled into the center of the web, I realized that we need to keep our feelings in tune with our life and the lives around us. We need to feel what kind of impact we’re making on the world around us. Our awareness includes knowing when areas of our life our damaged and need immediate attention, or when someone comes into our life and needs our help. The spider is waiting for a meal to fly into the web, but we are also being nourished through our work.

By not paying attention to the intricate latticework of our lives, we might suffer damage that can cause our life to fall apart. A person whom God sends our way, someone who can be helped by God using us in a special way, might go away from us empty because we were unaware of the opportunity, or we simply didn’t care enough to make the effort.

There was so much more the Lord showed me through this one event on Day Two of my vacation. I may have stood there for an hour or more watching this display of God’s majesty at work in one small creature, and the whole time the Lord was ministering to my soul. While there was so much more, I don’t have the words to express them. Perhaps they were just for me, just some kind of spiritual awareness that I need to meet my challenges. But I am grateful nonetheless. I look forward to what more the Lord has to show me during this time of refreshing.

Check back over the next several days, as I will be posting more of my observations from my vacation. Special thanks to the kind proprietors of La Vista Plantation, Michele and Ed Schiesser. God bless!

© 2006, Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press. All rights reserved. All material printed on this site is protected by the copyright law of the United States. It may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press, obtainable by writing to soulscape@alltel.net. Altering or removing any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content is not permitted. Any and all portions of material copied from the Soulscape Blog must be properly attributed to Chris Keeton and Soulscape, and cited with original blog web address.

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Explanation and Expectation

I just wanted to let you know that I have been on vacation this past week, hence the absence of postings. While I was gone, I made several entries, and I will begin posting them on Sunday, one each day until they’re finished. They chronicle my trip and how the Lord used the time to spend some quality time with me, and vice versa.

Hope you enjoy!

© 2006, Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press. All rights reserved. All material printed on this site is protected by the copyright law of the United States. It may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press, obtainable by writing to soulscape@alltel.net. Altering or removing any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content is not permitted. Any and all portions of material copied from the Soulscape Blog must be properly attributed to Chris Keeton and Soulscape, and cited with original blog web address.

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Fear? Forget about it!

Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

This has been one of my favorite verses of the Bible for many years. It’s difficult to narrow down to a small list, but this verse does make my top 25. I guess it depends on the day and on the circumstances as to where exactly on the list it is, but I’m sure you understand.

I feel this is not just one of the favorite verses for many people, but I feel it is one of the more important in all of Scripture, simply because it addresses so much. If you would allow, I would like to mention a few things that make this verse so significant to the life of the believer.

DEFINITIONS
First, I offer dictionary definitions of the key words of the verse.

FEAR – “A feeling of agitation and anxiety caused by the presence or imminence of danger,” or “A reason for dread or apprehension.”

DISMAY – “To destroy the courage or resolution of by exciting dread or apprehension,” “To cause to lose enthusiasm; disillusion,” or “To upset or alarm.”

STRENGTHEN – “To make strong or increase the strength of.”

HELP – “To give assistance to; aid,” “To ease; relieve,” or “To change for the better; improve.”

UPHOLD – “To prevent from falling or sinking; support,” or “To maintain or affirm against opposition.”

Next, I would like to briefly use Strong’s Hebrew analysis:

FEAR – dread; DISMAY – bewildered, or look away; STRENGTHEN – confirm, or be courageous; HELP – surround, protect or aid; UPHOLD – sustain or follow close.

THE HOPE
The very first thing the Lord addresses is the most devastating thing we face: fear. Fear usually incites one of two responses: it causes us to be paralyzed, frozen exactly where we are; or it causes us to run away. Both responses are contrary to what God wants for us: to move forward. So God tells us right off that we don’t have to be afraid. The reason is that He Himself, the Creator of the Universe, the One in whom all power dwells, is with us. That He can overcome our fear is a source of comfort for us, but more than that is that such a big God would care so much about you and me. With the Lord, there is NO reason for dread, so we need not feel any danger.

God also tells us not to lose our courage or enthusiasm because of our fear. Satan attacks us in ways that sidetrack us, that make us afraid and also drain us of our enthusiasm. We often say, “What’s the point?” and become so discouraged because of all that’s going against us. But the Lord reminds us just Who our God really is. It is not fear, it is not temptation, it is not this world. It is the great I AM. When we look past all the negative and see our God, how can we help but increase in courage and enthusiasm?

THE PROMISES
Then, God gives His children promises we can all take with us, no matter what we face. First He says He will give us strength. As the definitions showed us, this means that He will make us strong or increase our strength (but note that this happens in the midst of those situations that the devil would use to cause us fear or dismay). He will confirm our faith in Him, showing us that He was, is and will always be there with us to give us courage in times of distress.

Second, God promises to help us. I don’t know about you, but I need help. Just ask some members of my congregation! Seriously, I know that by myself I am nothing, and without help, I would fall. God will lend me the assistance I need to survive, by either easing or relieving that which weighs so heavily upon me, or through it all change me for the better. His unfailing arms of love and protection are always there to surround me and take care of me. When Satan’s fiery arrows come flying my way, I know the Lord all around me, keeping me safe. It might not be an entirely fun or easy experience, but with His help, I’ll make it through and be better because of it.

Finally, the Lord promises to uphold us. Using the dictionary and Strong’s definitions above, I can’t help but think about Peter walking on the water. Peter had the faith to step out of the boat when Jesus called for him to come, but he took his eyes of the Lord and began to look at the waves. It was then that he began to sink. He did the only thing he, or any of us, could do: he cried out, “Lord, save me!” And Jesus upheld him.

Jesus was right there, following close to sustain Peter, helping Peter maintain his faith and his life. Jesus reached down and lifted him out of the water. The waves were still as ferocious, the wind still as violent, but Peter had nothing to fear. He knew that no matter what he was facing out there on the water, the opposition wasn’t as strong as Jesus was. No matter how severe our storms may be, we know the Lord is close to us and when we call on Him, He will be right there to lift us up.

* * * * * *

As I used this verse in a sermon a few years ago, it was as if the Lord stopped me in my tracks and showed me something I’d never seen before. I was awestruck, quiet, as my congregation looked at me. Then I shared with them what the Lord had shared with me.

God spoke to me through this verse, telling me I didn’t need to be afraid or dismayed, because He was with me and was my God. He promised to give me strength to meet life’s challenges and help to overcome the obstacles in my way, no matter how great.

And how would He accomplish this? By upholding me with His righteous right hand. Then a question came to my mind: what does this mean? And in an instant, the answer came: where is Jesus?

Jesus is, as 1 Peter 3:22 specifically tells us, “…at the right hand of God…” a fact that was further confirmed when Stephen was being martyred, gazing into heaven and saying in Acts 7:56, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”

The “righteous right hand” of God is Jesus Himself, and it is Jesus Himself that upholds us in our time of need. There is no more comforting thought, no greater assurance or promise that we can find that compares to this:

There is nothing to fear, because God is always with us. There is no reason to be dismayed, because the God of all Creation is our God. He is there to give us strength and help when we need it, and this upholding, this sustaining grace, comes directly from the power and love of Jesus Christ the Lord.

I don’t know about you, but “if God is for us, who can be against us?”

© 2006, Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press. All rights reserved. All material printed on this site is protected by the copyright law of the United States. It may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Chris Keeton and Soulscape Press, obtainable by writing to soulscape@alltel.net. Altering or removing any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content is not permitted. Any and all portions of material copied from the Soulscape Blog must be properly attributed to Chris Keeton and Soulscape, and cited with original blog web address.