"A MIghty Fortress is our God" is a hymn to remember for Reformation Day, October 31.  Written by Martin Luther, it became the battle hymn of the Reformation.

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never falling;

A bulwark is a wall built for protection.  The hymn is based on Psalm 46, which begins with saying, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in the time of trouble."  Stanza one continues on to say:

Our helper He amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.

For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe--

His craft and pow'r are great, and, armed with cruel hate,

On earth is not His equal.

In his personal life, Martin Luther helped some nuns find homes.  However, he was having trouble find a place for Katharina Von Bora, who in turn said, "How about you?"  The book, "Kitty, My Rib" tells the story of their marriage and family.

Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of Wittenberg Church in October, 1517.  After enduring much conflict, he wrote, "A Mighty Fortress" between the years of 1527-1529.  Stanzas 2-4 are:

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing,

Were not the right man on our side, the man of God's own choosing.

Dost ask who that may be?  Christ Jesus, it is He--

Lord Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same,

And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,

We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.

The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him--

His rage we can endure, for lo!  his doom is sure:

One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly pow'rs, no thanks to them, abideth;

The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him who with us sideth.

Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also--

The body, they may kill; God's truth abideth still:

His kingdom is forever.