Lessons From A Turtle

Do you ever feel like a turtle? A turtle is probably not the first thing that comes to your mind, but maybe after today it will a little bit more. 

In this season of many of our lives we feel like it's just easier to shrink back into our shells than face what's in front of us or around us. But may I remind you, Jesus had a different plan in mind when He created you.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self discipline. So you must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord." 2 Timothy 1:7 

Nor should you shrink back in your shell because you are afraid to fail. Christ never fails, so trust in Him and walk boldly. "The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand." Psalm 37:23-24

For others you might feel like your dreams, goals and desires are progressing very slowly. But Jesus wants you to think differently. He wants you to find joy in ALL He is planning for you, but most importantly He wants you to be still and wait patiently. 

"Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act." Psalm 37:7

Finally, for some they are searching for protection, rest, hope, and comfort. Just like the turtles shell protects him, the Lord and His armor protects you and me. 

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold. I will call on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, for he saves me from my enemies." Psalm 18:2-3

"Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil." Ephesians 6:10-11

The turtle will never be able to out run its attacker, but it's clothed in an armor that can save its life. 

Our armor is Christ, who is in the business of saving lives. And it just so happens our attacker, has no chance of beating Him or destroying Him. Christ defeated Him when He died on the Cross. 

So strap on your turtle shell (the armor of Christ) and move (even if it's slow, every step counts) in confidence and trust. 

The Work of The Spirit

S-You received the Holy Spirit because you believed


S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1


A-The Power and Work of the Holy Spirit


<sup>L-The Purpose and Role of the Holy Spirit


         "I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the Law of Moses? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ." Galatians 3:5</sup>


Don't forget when you put your faith in Christ; He filled you with the Holy Spirit, whom works in you. It is your faith and the work of the Holy Spirit that sets you free. The Law does none of that for you. Rather, the law shows you, your sinfulness and need for faith in Christ. 


Therefore, if you would allow the Holy Spirit to take back control, He will show you how foolish you are being by getting caught back up in slavery to the law.


What role does the Holy Spirit play in our lives?


     ^- “If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.  He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.  Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live.  When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.  Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them." John 14:15-21


1. He leads us into all truth

2. He lives with us and in us.

3. He will never abandon us.

4. He reveals Christ to us.


Do you have the Holy Spirit living in you? Have you put your faith in Christ?  Does your life and fruit reflect the two?


S-Tell Christ how thankful you are for the Holy Spirit, and ask Him to help you relinquish control so that He may have all of it.