Beside a vehicle with a brand-new windshield, not many Christians see God as a protective shield. While the apostle Paul introduces the shield of faith as a vital piece of the armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-20, King David compared the Lord to an impenetrable shield in the passage below. Like the shade of a tree on a heat summer day, God is a place of refuge to cool off until you regain your strength.
The Lord is my Strength and my [impenetrable] Shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him, Psalm 28:7.
As the leader of the Army of Israel, David was familiar with weapons of war. According to one Old Testament historian, kings would lead their countries off to battle each spring, 2 Samuel 11:1. Since Israel is 1516 feet above sea level, armies would have to wait until for snow to melt before the roads they traveled on were passable. While David became famous for killing the Philistines prized giant with 5 stones and a sling shot, he understood the need for the shield of faith.
The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand [the side not carrying a shield], Psalm 121:5.
Another Psalmist points out that soldiers would carry their shields with their left hands. Since only 10 percent of human beings are left hand dominant, the right hand was used to carry and maneuver swords. During a break in the action with two armies of equal strength, soldiers would burrow in the sand or soil by hiding under their shield. Subsequently, the Psalmist makes an analogy of what God is like. The Lord keeps us alive in battle as well as serving as a protective shade from the sun. May these two Psalms help you see God in a new and powerful way.
Prior to the breakdown of traditional families in America, my parents generation were committed to maintaining relationships with their extended family. Despite living four hours away, I visited grand parents on each side of my family 3-4 times per year. I didn’t need ancestry.com to know who my relatives were. Rather, I grew up sitting around a large kitchen table listening to stories for a minimum of 30 minutes per meal. My earliest recollections of my mom’s father, a resident of Hershey, Pennsylvania was sitting on his lap eating chocolate kisses. While this chair rocked, it is considered a glider, green leather upholstery with stained wooden arm rests. As I grew up, Grandpa Kautz and I developed a special bond, the love for golf. After retiring, my grandfather became a starter at Hershey Country Club, able to play golf for free after work. Prior to his death, my wife Leanne and I were able to play 18 holes with him on this course. Although none of us played well, I still cherish the memories of this day. Following his death, my grandfather left me 2 possessions, his golf clubs and his rocking chair/glider.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path, Psalm 119:105.
Last spring, my wife and I traveled down to Tampa, Florida to clear out her father’s condo. Jim Wagner was an avid golfer who visited this place a few times each winter to avoid harsh Chicago winters. After 25 years of vacations, the condo was sold following Jim’s death in 2017. It’s amazing how many possessions you can accumulate and fit into a two bedroom condo over a quarter of a century. Sorting through each closet was emotional for my wife, a 3 day chore that resulted in several piles: donations, keep and trash. One of the items that was headed for the dumpster was a tall lamp made out of driftwood. At first glance, I agreed to throw this out. However, this piece of furniture grew on me, especially with the brightness, illuminating one side of the master bedroom. Thus, I couldn’t part with this light, driving it back to Delaware. Prior to this trip, my grandfather’s chair was collecting dust in the corner of my bedroom. Due to a lack of light, I wasn’t able to see so I kept finding another place to read. As strange as it may be, it seems that this glider was waiting for my driftwood lamp to make an unusual partnership. Now, a day doesn’t go by without turning on this lamp before sitting down to read, write or watch television.
Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left [the house], and went out to a secluded place, and was praying there, Mark 1:35.
Jesus made a practice of finding a secluded place to spend time with his heavenly father each day. The passage above doesn’t provide a specific location like a desert, mountainside or the wilderness. On another occasion, Jesus encourages an audience to go find an empty room, close the door behind you before praying. Prayer, study and worship isn’t meant to be public act to bring attention to yourself. Rather, God wants individuals to locate an intimate setting so that there is nothing to distract you. As for me, my grandfather’s glider and driftwood lamp has become like an inner sanctuary. As I open up the Bible, study these pages and pour my heart out to God in prayer, I connect with God. To a certain extent, this chair has become my Cave of Abdullah, 1 Samuel 22. This place in my house now serves as a refuge, where I can retreat from the troubles and worries of life. While I could always do better, become more committed and focused on the Lord, I continue to withdraw each day as God waits in eager expectation for me to turn on my lamp and recline in this chair.
Confidence isn’t lacking in society today as narcissists can be found in nearly every work place. However, a humble voice of experience is missing from many segments, replaced by pride and arrogance. When absent, people can lose their way, often repeating the same mistakes that have led past empires to disappear.
Psalm 118
8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. 9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.
The words of Psalm 118:8-10 sound like something King David would have said. After calling for and taking a census of Israel’s tribes, a spirit of conviction falls upon David. Failing to listen to his commander Joab, a voice of experience, God punishes Israel’s for David’s sin of pride, 1 Chronicles 21:1-8. When given three options for his penalty, David opts for the hand of God, 1 Chronicles 21:9-15.
Although Public Service Announcements for the Boys & Girls Clubs are important, its essential for mentors to rise up to begin influencing a generation looking for positive role models. On the other hand, its also vital for adults to remain teachable so that advice from the Joab’s in your life aren’t ignored. May you take heed of the Psalmist by learning to take refuge in God rather than trusting the hands of men.
Nobody likes to lose. Although, some players and teams don’t have the talent to compete with the rest of their competitors, sooner or later a victory will arrive. Unfortunately, fans of the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA might not see a win in 2014, 0-17 with little hope in sight.
The unemployed likely experience a similar feeling. Despite perfecting resumes, nailing job interviews and becoming a finalist for a position, heart breaks come way too often. The sad thing is when the offers do arrive, the pay is like a slap in the face. In the end, job seekers wonder if they will ever get another job.
When things aren’t going your way, there needs to be something firm that you can trust in. A refuge where you can find a peace that surpasses all understanding. James 1:2-4 suggests losing builds character, leading to maturity over time. If you can develop this mindset, perseverance can carry you until you taste success. Therefore, whether you win, lose or draw, the Holy Spirit can transform your perspective to become a complete person in Christ.
In the days following 9/11/01, many Americans used professional sporting events as a vehicle for healing. In Major League Baseball, the singing of Talk Me Out to the Ball Game was replaced with God Bless America. At the first Monday Night Football Game in the NFL, a sense of patriotism swept through the crowd, causing tears to flow from my eyes as a giant flag, shaped like the United States of America was stretched across the entire field. During this period in time, winning wasn’t the only thing. Rather, playing these games symbolized a sense of normalcy to proclaim to the world, “America will carry on.”
Meanwhile, another community experienced a similar tragedy, placing sports into its proper perspective. The 2006 film We Are Marshall is based upon the death of 37 football players, 5 coaches, 25 boosters and other staff who perished in a plane crash near Huntington, West Virginia. Despite wanting to remain competitive, winning had to be placed on the back burner. To honor the memory of these people, the school president was nudged by students to field a team to fill the void left behind. In a stirring scene, Matthew McConaughey, who plays head coach Jack Lengyel, redefines winning to include playing with all your heart for 60 minutes. “If you do this, we can not lose!”
Today, competition has a wide scope from school districts who have banned keeping score to the hard core who keep score in everything they do. For me, sports was a refuge, a place where I excelled. The more success I tasted, the cockier I became. Yet, like many things in life, athletic competition has a way of humbling the proud, bringing each star back down to earth. However, when I finally gave up my pursuit of playing professional golf, only then did I understand winning isn;t everything. Whether you have the talent or not, give your dream a shot and let the chips fall where they may. In the end, winning isn’t as important as knowing that you did everything you could to maximize your God given talents.
John Wise is one of those individuals who has been forgotten by history. A reverend at the Congregational Church in Ipswich, Massachusetts, Wise blazed a trial which the founding fathers of America emulated. Until yesterday, I never realized that the Declaration of Independence was based upon by a sermon series John Wise preached in 1687. These messages were inspired by a tax levied by royal Governor Andros without the representation of a legislative body. Wise was one of the first civil rights leader, going to jail for his opposition, a pioneer who used his pulpit to preach liberty and justice for all.
John Wise devoted his entire life to the ministry, serving from the time of his ordination to his death in 1725. Prior to his passing, Wise completed his most famous work, A Vindication of the Government of New England Churches in 1717. This compilation became a blue print that was adopted in 1776 during the Continental Congress, known as the Declaration of Independence. When reverend Wise spoke to his community, he didn’t see black, red or white skin. Rather, Wise developed an expression saying, “there are only 2 kinds of races, those who believe in God and those who don’t!” This is just a glimpse of the sermons of John Wise. These inspired words are simply Supernatural as DC Talk once sang.
There is much to learn from this second generation Pilgrim leader. First, a preacher should not be muzzled by the government. Church should be a place of refuge where worshipers can experience heaven on earth before going back into the world like disciples for the next 6 days. Second, the Bible is a blue print for life, liberty and the American way. Allowing atheists to silence the spiritual foundation of this country is like spitting the reverend Wise in the face. Finally, history is like a true National Treasure, full of mentors, stars and visionaries who have made America a great nation. Go to a local library today to examine diamonds in the rough, lost over the course of time, by a media ashamed of God. If you want to know more about John Wise, David Barton has written books about his impact on American History.
Building walls of protection is nothing new. The Berlin Wall, Great Wall of China and Western Wall in Israel were established as defense mechanisms. These structures served as a hiding place as well as a refuge, either to keep enemies out or prevent other civilians from corrupting the ideology shared by those who call this places home.
Beyond the vision of a human eye, another wall exists. This one surrounds the heart, protecting individuals from becoming vulnerable, hurt or both. The greater the pain from the past, the larger the barrier erected. Like a facade, unveiling what lies behind this inclosure isn’t easy. Layer by layer must be removed carefully or else souls will clam up, refusing to convey genuine concerns, emotions or thoughts.
According to a famous prophet, the heart is a mysterious organ, Jeremiah 17:9-10. Regardless of how cautious someone is, when the heart speaks don’t be surprised by what you hear. Deceitfulness has taken hearts captive, a condition that is beyond cure. Therefore, if famous historic walls could speak, sin might be the topic of conversation. In view of this grave condition, set your heart on things above, Colossians 3:1-3, so that hell will wear off as heaven takes center stage.
Critics of the Bible have made numerous arguments stating their case against biblical accuracy. One of the strongest points skeptics have made uses the words of the Scripture to enhance their position, Romans 3:9-12. If mankind is indeed fallen, how can imperfect people become vessels of holiness. Well, its quite possible that authors of God’s Word may have received revelations of worship.
According to Exodus 24:12-18, the Lord called Moses to go up into the mountains and stay for 40 days and 40 nights. Despite any hidden motives or prideful moments, it was likely during this period that Moses recorded the first 3 books of the Bible, taking notes as the Lord spoke. However, half of his job was already done, receiving stone tablets with commands, laws and further instructions for Israel. Whenever someone meets God in a quiet place, a divine connection opens the door spiritual intervention and perhaps modern revelations of worship.
One of the places on earth where I have experienced God’s presence was at a wilderness camp in Minnesota, during the heart of winter. In the final days of Tentmaker’s Youth Ministry Trade School, there was a mandatory 24 hours of silence. Instead of interacting with future graduates, our final assignment was to engage the Lord through prayer, reflection and Bible Study. This was a lonely time as I realized that my new friends would soon be spread out across the country, taking what they had learned to a new church and community.
A few months later, I spent a semester teaching at a boarding school in the Monongahela National Forest. Known as the High Scope Institute for Ideas, this school focused on career underachievers who endured difficult living conditions. Many of these 13-15 year olds lived in poverty with dysfunctional families. If this wasn’t enough, several girls had already given birth to children while most boys became first time dads by age 13. Despite these distractions, the mountain provided a special refuge.
During an activity called 20/20, students were forced to spend 20 minutes a day in solitude either journaling, reading or reflecting on life. Although some slept, I began to write poetry without any formal background. Soon songs began to play in my head and before I knew it, I received a revelation of worship called a Simple Confession. The Holy Spirit gave me 12 songs which I later made into an album. If a spirit of poetry and song writing can fall upon me just because I was still once a day; then I believe its probable that the Bible is truly the inspired words of God, given to men and women through a still small voice. Practice Psalm 46:1o and maybe you too many receive a revelation of worship.
During a majority of 2012, I spent most of my free time filling out job applications, combing the internet for new opportunities and stressing over the reduced income my wife and I were bringing home monthly. Although I am usually laid back when it comes to finances, I forced myself to forgo the luxuries of life until I obtained a new full time position. Since I am still waiting, my search for a place of rest continues in 2013, draining my energy like heat and humidity on a warm summer day.
5 days ago
At an oasis, a morning meeting at Dunkin Donuts, my good friend Spencer shared a story which led me in the right direction. Last Sunday, Ray Lewis, a linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, played his final home game, announcing his retirement at the end of this NFL season. Following the Ravens 24-9 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, cameras surrounded Ray, recording his final moments on the field at M&T Bank Stadium. When Ray took off his Ravens jersey, he was wearing a Black T-Shirt with a passage of the Bible, Psalm 91. Aware of this chapter, I couldn’t wait to refresh my memory of the truth inside on my way home.
Psalm 91:1 states He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. As I was trying to find rest, I was looking in all the wrong places. I searched for satisfaction through employment. I dedicated 2 months, sacrificing time away from my family to earn as much money as possible to try to get caught up on bills. Yet, I was dwelling in the wrong house. In the silence of no work, its time to find my way back toward God’s fortress. The moment I enter this refuge for burdened and weary souls, Matthew 11:28-30, I will rest my head in peace in the shadow of the Almighty God. There is plenty of room in this inn, retreat now while there is still time!
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