No one wishes to stand outside and unprotected during a fierce storm. n Our God knows and understands our frailties and our every need. (Heb 4: 16)

No one wishes to stand outside and No one wishes to stand outside and unprotected during a fierce storm.unprotected during a fierce storm.

Our God knows and understands our Our God knows and understands our frailties and our every need. frailties and our every need. (Heb 4: 16)(Heb 4: 16)


Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV)Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) - 16Let us - 16Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.grace to help in time of need.


Because we trust in the living God He Because we trust in the living God He provides us with a shelter and refuge provides us with a shelter and refuge from the storms of life. from the storms of life. (2 Sam 22:2-4)(2 Sam 22:2-4)


2 Samuel 22:2-4 (NKJV)2 Samuel 22:2-4 (NKJV) - And he said: - And he said: “The Lord “The Lord isis my rock and my fortress and my my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; 3 The God of my strength, in whom deliverer; 3 The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, My stronghold and my refuge; My salvation, My stronghold and my refuge; My Savior, You save me from violence. 4 I will Savior, You save me from violence. 4 I will call upon the Lord, call upon the Lord, who is worthywho is worthy to be to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.


Our faith in God allows us to freely Our faith in God allows us to freely acknowledge our weakness and His might! acknowledge our weakness and His might! (Psa 144:2-4) (Psa 144:2-4)


Psalm 144:2-4 (NKJV) Psalm 144:2-4 (NKJV) - My lovingkindness - My lovingkindness and my fortress, My high tower and my and my fortress, My high tower and my deliverer, My shield and deliverer, My shield and the Onethe One in whom I in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people under take refuge, Who subdues my people under me. 3 Lord, what me. 3 Lord, what isis man, that You take man, that You take knowledge of him? knowledge of him? OrOr the son of man, that the son of man, that You are mindful of him? 4 Man is like a You are mindful of him? 4 Man is like a breath; His days breath; His days areare like a passing shadow. like a passing shadow.


God has given us provisions to use that we God has given us provisions to use that we may have this refuge.may have this refuge.


God has given us provisions to use that we God has given us provisions to use that we may have this refuge.may have this refuge.

The local church is such a place. The local church is such a place. (Heb 12:12-13)(Heb 12:12-13)


Hebrews 12:12-13 (NKJV)Hebrews 12:12-13 (NKJV) - Therefore - Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, 13 and make straight paths the feeble knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not for your feet, so that what is lame may not be be dislocated,dislocated, but rather be healed. but rather be healed.


The home as God designed it is such a The home as God designed it is such a place. place. (Prov 31:10-12)(Prov 31:10-12)


Proverbs 31:10-12 (NKJV)Proverbs 31:10-12 (NKJV) - - Who can Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth find a virtuous wife? For her worth isis far far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil All gain. 12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.the days of her life.

The home is a place to build up our The home is a place to build up our spiritsspirits

God knows our need for companionship. God knows our need for companionship. (Ecc 4:9-12)(Ecc 4:9-12)


Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NKJV) Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NKJV) - Two - Two areare better than one, Because they have a good better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. 10reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. one will lift up his companion. But woe But woe to him to him who iswho is alone when he falls, For alone when he falls, For he he hashas no one to help him up. 11 no one to help him up. 11 Again, if Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm But how can one be warm alone? alone?


12 Though one may be overpowered by 12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.threefold cord is not quickly broken.


We do not need just any kind of We do not need just any kind of companionship! companionship! (Prov 25:23-24)(Prov 25:23-24)


Proverbs 25:23-24 (NKJV)Proverbs 25:23-24 (NKJV) - - The north The north wind brings forth rain, And a backbiting wind brings forth rain, And a backbiting tongue an angry countenance. 24 tongue an angry countenance. 24 It isIt is better better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.house shared with a contentious woman.


The words we hear in our homes have an The words we hear in our homes have an impact upon our spirits. What are impact upon our spirits. What are those words like? those words like? (Eph 4:29)(Eph 4:29)


Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV) Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV) - Let no corrupt - Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.may impart grace to the hearers.


Companionship requires a spirit that will Companionship requires a spirit that will serve another’s needs.serve another’s needs.


Companionship requires a spirit that will Companionship requires a spirit that will serve another’s needs.serve another’s needs.

You cannot have companionship without You cannot have companionship without trust.trust. (Prov 31:11) (Prov 31:11)


Proverbs 31:11 (NKJV)Proverbs 31:11 (NKJV) - The heart of her - The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain.no lack of gain.


How many additional hurts come when you How many additional hurts come when you cannot trust your mate!cannot trust your mate!



How can one have a good marriage when How can one have a good marriage when they marry a dishonest person?they marry a dishonest person?



How can one have a good marriage when How can one have a good marriage when they marry a dishonest person?they marry a dishonest person?

Honor and Respect are needed to build Honor and Respect are needed to build another’s spirit.another’s spirit. (Prov 31:28-31) (Prov 31:28-31)


Proverbs 31:28-31 (NKJV) Proverbs 31:28-31 (NKJV) - Her children - Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also,also, and he praises her: 29 “Many daughters have and he praises her: 29 “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” 30 Charm done well, But you excel them all.” 30 Charm isis deceitful and beauty deceitful and beauty isis passing, But a passing, But a woman woman whowho fears the Lord, she shall be fears the Lord, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.And let her own works praise her in the gates.


Respect is a strong need of the man. Respect is a strong need of the man. (Eph 5:33)(Eph 5:33)


Ephesians 5:33 (NKJV)Ephesians 5:33 (NKJV) - Nevertheless let - Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife own wife as himself, and let the wife seesee that she respects that she respects herher husband. husband.


How does one gain respect? How does one gain respect?


How does one gain respect? How does one gain respect? Seeking understanding so as to serve Seeking understanding so as to serve

another builds companionship.another builds companionship. (1 Pt 3:7) (1 Pt 3:7)


1 Peter 3:7 (NKJV) 1 Peter 3:7 (NKJV) 7Husbands, likewise, 7Husbands, likewise, dwell with dwell with themthem with understanding, giving with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as and as beingbeing heirs together of the grace of heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.life, that your prayers may not be hindered.


Companionship is based upon a common Companionship is based upon a common interest and a common sharing in serving interest and a common sharing in serving another. Both are to give!another. Both are to give!


In time it is easy to demand your needs be In time it is easy to demand your needs be met and neglect the other. met and neglect the other.

Why do some flee their fortress?Why do some flee their fortress?

Many leave their fortress because they are Many leave their fortress because they are meeting their needs elsewhere. meeting their needs elsewhere.



Some men choose to “live at work.”Some men choose to “live at work.”



Some men choose to “live at work.”Some men choose to “live at work.” Women can withdraw from the home by Women can withdraw from the home by

losing confidence in the husband and losing confidence in the husband and going into the work force.going into the work force.



Some men choose to “live at work.”Some men choose to “live at work.” Women can withdraw from the home by Women can withdraw from the home by

losing confidence in the husband and losing confidence in the husband and going into the work force.going into the work force.

This choice may be done even when the This choice may be done even when the other mate is doing all they can do. other mate is doing all they can do.


Some may have never had a fortress Some may have never had a fortress because they did not marry a Christian.because they did not marry a Christian.


Some may have never had a fortress Some may have never had a fortress because they did not marry a Christian.because they did not marry a Christian.

What are the needs of the man? What are the needs of the man? (Eph 5:33)(Eph 5:33)


Ephesians 5:33 (NKJV)Ephesians 5:33 (NKJV) 33Nevertheless let 33Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife own wife as himself, and let the wife seesee that she respects that she respects herher husband. husband.


He feels unloved because she doesn't He feels unloved because she doesn't trusttrust him anymore.him anymore.


““Deep inside every man there is a hero or a Deep inside every man there is a hero or a knight in shining armor. More than anything, knight in shining armor. More than anything, he wants to succeed in serving and protecting he wants to succeed in serving and protecting the woman he loves. When he feels trusted, he the woman he loves. When he feels trusted, he is able to tap into this noble part of himself. is able to tap into this noble part of himself. He becomes more caring. When he doesn't He becomes more caring. When he doesn't feel trusted he loses some of his aliveness and feel trusted he loses some of his aliveness and energy, and after a while he can stop caring.”energy, and after a while he can stop caring.”


He feels unloved because she doesn't He feels unloved because she doesn't acceptaccept him as he is.him as he is.



He feels taken for granted and unloved He feels taken for granted and unloved because she doesn't because she doesn't appreciate appreciate what he what he does.does.



He feels taken for granted and unloved He feels taken for granted and unloved because she doesn't because she doesn't appreciate appreciate what he what he does.does.

He feels unloved because he does not feel He feels unloved because he does not feel admired.admired.


What are the needs of the woman? What are the needs of the woman? (Eph 5:25-29)(Eph 5:25-29)


Ephesians 5:25-29 (NKJV)Ephesians 5:25-29 (NKJV) - Husbands, love - Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26that He church and gave Himself for her, 26that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27that He washing of water by the word, 27that He might present her to Himself a glorious might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. blemish.


28 So husbands ought to love their own 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord cherishes it, just as the Lord doesdoes the the church.church.


She feels unloved because he is not She feels unloved because he is not attentive or showing that he attentive or showing that he cares.cares.


She feels unloved because he doesn't She feels unloved because he doesn't understand understand her.her.



She feels unloved because he doesn't She feels unloved because he doesn't respectrespect her feelings.her feelings.



She feels unloved because he doesn't She feels unloved because he doesn't respectrespect her feelings.her feelings.

She feels unloved because he is not She feels unloved because he is not devoteddevoted to her and doesn't honor her as special.to her and doesn't honor her as special.

Rebuilding the walls of our fortressRebuilding the walls of our fortress

We must be honest with our mates and We must be honest with our mates and ourselves. ourselves. (Eph 5:13-17)(Eph 5:13-17)


Ephesians 5:13-17 (NKJV)Ephesians 5:13-17 (NKJV) - But all things - But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14 light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14 Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.” 15 See then that you walk light.” 15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. redeeming the time, because the days are evil.


17 Therefore do not be unwise, but 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord understand what the will of the Lord is.is.


Many marriages are allowed to fall into this Many marriages are allowed to fall into this broken condition.broken condition.


Many marriages are allowed to fall into this Many marriages are allowed to fall into this broken condition.broken condition.

What are your weaknesses? Without What are your weaknesses? Without consistent effort “gravity” will pull you consistent effort “gravity” will pull you back to these weaknesses. (“He is just back to these weaknesses. (“He is just like his father.”)like his father.”)


Honesty means honest communication. Honesty means honest communication. Many homes will punish the one who Many homes will punish the one who seeks to be honest. seeks to be honest.


““Men and women generally are unaware that Men and women generally are unaware that they have different emotional needs. As a they have different emotional needs. As a result they do not instinctively know how to result they do not instinctively know how to support each other. Men typically give in support each other. Men typically give in relationships what men want, while women relationships what men want, while women give what women want. Each mistakenly give what women want. Each mistakenly assumes that the other has the same needs and assumes that the other has the same needs and desires. As a result they both end up desires. As a result they both end up dissatisfied and resentful.”dissatisfied and resentful.”


We need to understand the power of our We need to understand the power of our emotions. Consider depression.emotions. Consider depression.



An unreal view of the world and people. An unreal view of the world and people. One creates their own reality.One creates their own reality.



An unreal view of the world and people. An unreal view of the world and people. One creates their own reality.One creates their own reality.

They become ego centered. All things are They become ego centered. All things are viewed by how it relates to them.viewed by how it relates to them.



An unreal view of the world and people. One An unreal view of the world and people. One creates their own reality.creates their own reality.

They become ego centered. All things are They become ego centered. All things are viewed by how it relates to them.viewed by how it relates to them.

There is a strong desire to withdraw. It is There is a strong desire to withdraw. It is easy to write-off others.easy to write-off others.


It is easy to be sour and mistrustful of It is easy to be sour and mistrustful of others. others.


It is easy to be sour and mistrustful of It is easy to be sour and mistrustful of others. others.

One cannot let go of the past or truly One cannot let go of the past or truly forgive another. forgive another. (Eph 4:31-32)(Eph 4:31-32)


Ephesians 4:31-32 (NKJV) Ephesians 4:31-32 (NKJV) - Let all - Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.as God in Christ forgave you.


There are thoughts of suicide.There are thoughts of suicide.


There are thoughts of suicide.There are thoughts of suicide. Reason cannot reach one in this state.Reason cannot reach one in this state.


We need to understand and fight the wrong We need to understand and fight the wrong choices we have made. choices we have made.


We need to understand and fight the wrong We need to understand and fight the wrong choices we have made. choices we have made.

Watch your spirit – some view criticism as Watch your spirit – some view criticism as their “spirituality” This negative spirit is fed their “spirituality” This negative spirit is fed and eventually consumes the marriage. and eventually consumes the marriage. (Eph 5:13-15)(Eph 5:13-15)


Ephesians 5:13-15 (NKJV)Ephesians 5:13-15 (NKJV) - But all - But all things that are exposed are made manifest things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14 Therefore He says: “Awake, you light. 14 Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.” 15 See then that you will give you light.” 15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,wise,


That spirit is taught. What are you building That spirit is taught. What are you building in your mate?in your mate?



That spirit will one day turn on you.That spirit will one day turn on you.



That spirit will one day turn on you.That spirit will one day turn on you. Others have given in to an “over committed Others have given in to an “over committed

life” that brings despair and guilt.life” that brings despair and guilt.

One fallen fortress leads to anotherOne fallen fortress leads to another

The first to fall will be our children. The first to fall will be our children. (Eph 6:4)(Eph 6:4)


Ephesians 6:4 (NKJV)Ephesians 6:4 (NKJV) - And you, fathers, - And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.admonition of the Lord.


Sadly they will often continue the family Sadly they will often continue the family “traditions.”“traditions.”


Sadly they will often continue the family Sadly they will often continue the family “traditions.”“traditions.”

Do you really know what it takes to build Do you really know what it takes to build faith?faith?


Some can affect their children Some can affect their children afterafter they they have left the home.have left the home.


Some can affect their children Some can affect their children afterafter they they have left the home.have left the home.

The church will often be affected by these The church will often be affected by these fallen fortresses. fallen fortresses. (Heb 12:14-15)(Heb 12:14-15)


Hebrews 12:15 (NKJV) Hebrews 12:15 (NKJV) - Pursue peace - Pursue peace with all with all people,people, and holiness, without which and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;defiled;


When a man has no respect in the home he When a man has no respect in the home he often will turn to pride to build himself up. often will turn to pride to build himself up. This is an empty effort that will bring strife. This is an empty effort that will bring strife. (1 Tim 6:3-4)(1 Tim 6:3-4)


1 Timothy 6:3-4 (NKJV)1 Timothy 6:3-4 (NKJV) - If anyone teaches - If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, words, eveneven the words of our Lord Jesus the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions,evil suspicions,


How many have destroyed their children How many have destroyed their children and then brought their “wisdom” to and then brought their “wisdom” to solve church problems. solve church problems. (Jas 3:13-18) (Jas 3:13-18)


James 3:13-18 (NKJV)James 3:13-18 (NKJV) - Who - Who isis wise and wise and understanding among you? Let him show understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct by good conduct thatthat his works his works are doneare done in in the meekness of wisdom. the meekness of wisdom.


14 But if you have bitter envy and self-14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but descend from above, but isis earthly, sensual, earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking seeking exist,exist, confusion and every evil confusion and every evil thing thing areare there. there.


17 But the wisdom that is from above is 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.by those who make peace.


Is there a fortress where you live? Is there a fortress where you live? (Psa 31:1-3)(Psa 31:1-3)


Psalm 31:1-3 (NKJV) Psalm 31:1-3 (NKJV) - - In You, O Lord, I In You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be ashamed; put my trust; Let me never be ashamed; Deliver me in Your righteousness. 2Deliver me in Your righteousness. 2 Bow Bow down Your ear to me, Deliver me speedily; down Your ear to me, Deliver me speedily; Be my rock of refuge, A fortress of defense Be my rock of refuge, A fortress of defense to save me. 3 For You to save me. 3 For You areare my rock and my my rock and my fortress; fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s Therefore, for Your name’s sake, Lead me and guide me.sake, Lead me and guide me.

No one wishes to stand outside and unprotected during a fierce storm. n Our God knows and understands our frailties and our every need. (Heb 4: 16)

Documents

fierce storm

living god

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storms of life

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