The Stormproof Family
“The Stormproof Family” – Pastor Gary Jones
All Scriptures are NIV unless otherwise noted.
Proverbs 24:3,4 (GNT)
Homes are built on the foundation of wisdom and understanding. Where there is knowledge, the rooms are furnished with valuable, beautiful things.
God is not distant from you; uninterested in you; nor unable to help you. He is an ever-present help in time of your need! Call on Him and He will answer you!
“Being STORMPROOF means, we develop PRECISE strategies and the bravery to navigate them.”
Matthew 7:24-27
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
It begins with right ATTITUDES!
Philippians 2:5 (NLT)
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
It shows itself in Godly INFLUENCE!
Matthew 5:13-16
“You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world…In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Job 1:20-22
At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.
My life as a Christ-follower should make unbelievers question their disbelief in God!
It requires UNDERSTANDING!
Matthew 5:17
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
MURDER!
Matthew 5:21,22
You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.
ADULTERY!
Matthew 5:27,28
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
DIVORCE!
Matthew 5:31,32
It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
OATHS!
Matthew 5: 33,34,37
Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne…All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
EYE for an EYE!
Matthew 5:38,39
You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.
LOVE for ENEMIES!
Matthew 5:43,44
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
The nature of today’s storms requires MORE than a bare minimum commitment; bare minimum attention; and bare minimum action. It calls for above and beyond in all things related to Godly life and character! It requires understanding!
It pursues Godly HABITS!
You cannot expect to stand fast in the storms that you will face as a family in 2024 and beyond without spiritual muscle memory!
Matthew 6:9-13
This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT)
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
It commits to the highest of PRIORITIES!
Matthew 6:33 (NLT)
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
SCRIPTURE!
Be TENACIOUS!
OBEY!
Be REALISTIC!
MANAGE your expectations!
PRAY!
REPROOF!
Be OPTIMISTIC!
OVERCOME!
Be FAITHFUL!