Bro.Paul Chappell

Our Strong Defense 

By Paul Chappell

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."

Proverbs 18:10

During the war of 1812, the British forces that had already captured Washington D.C.

turned their focus on Baltimore. Outnumbering the American forces by more

than five to one and backed by their powerful navy, the British expected to take control

of the key American port city. But they found their way blocked by an American force stationed in Fort McHenry. British vice Admiral Alexander Cochrane ordered an extensive

bombardment of the fort in preparation for an attack.

Throughout the night of September 13 and into the morning of September 14, nearly two thousand artillery shells were fired at the fort. When the sun came up in the morning, 

Major George Armistead who commanded the defenders ordered the massive flag to be raised over the walls as a sign that they had not been defeated.

This moment was seen by an American lawyer named Francis Scott Key on board one of the 

British ships and led to the writing of the American national anthem.

A strong place of defense is not just important to military forces. It is also crucial to those of us who face a spiritual battle on a daily basis. The Bible warns us that Satan is seeking to destroy us and commands us to "Resist steadfast in the faith"(1 peter 5:9). it is vital that we remember that we are not to fight Satan in our strength. Instead we are offered the mighty protection of God's power through His name.

As believers, we have the right to run to the presence of the Lord and seek His defense when we are attacked. We do not have to fight alone. Like the defenders of Baltimore sheltered by the thick walls of Fort McHenry, we are sheltered by the name of the savior.

Today's proverbs precept:

Knowing that we can call on the name of the Lord for defense should give us confidence to face any situation.