The Turtle

Psalms 91
"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

Recently I was assigned an impromptu speech based on the prompt," If you could be anything other than Human, you would be". The Holy Spirit brought to my mind a great object lesson based on the turtle.

The turtle is one of the most interesting creatures on the planet. The turtle is a ultimate example of vulnerability. First, the turtle is extremely slow and in no situations can outrun, out muscle or outwit its enemies. It remains completely dependent on the covering above it. When in danger, all the turtle can do is retreat into the covering above him and trust that covering or shell to have enough strength to withstand the advances of its predator. Because of its unique position, the turtle has become a common example in many classic quotes and morals. One such saying is, " when you see a turtle on a fence post you can be sure it did not get there alone".

In this day and age believers and unbelievers alike are under more pressure and more stress than at any other time it seems.The Word says that the devil is increasing his attacks because he knows his time runs short. (Revelation 12:12) In such a time as this we are like turtles. On our own we have completely and absolutely lack the speed, muscle and wisdom to combat the enemy of our souls. The stress is too high, the challenges to great, our emotions too thin. But, the Word says in psalms 91 that when we retreat under the covering of the Almighty we have a refuge and a strength and a fortress. Our shell is the presence and power of God and that my friends is impenetrable and indestructible.

If you are feeling of little strength and size in this small world today, remember your shell. Remember His Word today. Open the Word and reader the 91st chapter of psalms and remember the He is your shield and buckler, and mighty present help in times of trouble. "In this world you will have trouble but take heart I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

For those who know the truth

I was recently made aware that several of my old friends and acquaintances were really struggling in life as a result of some negative choices on their part. In all cases, they were raised in a very Godly home and they absolutely have been exposed to the truths of the Word. Unfortunately, many of them have chosen to walk away and turn their backs on the ways of that truth. This brought me to the obvious question of how this can happen? How can someone raised in the Lord, or who walked with the Lord turn when it seems that the race could be coming to a close so very soon? If it seems we are living in the last days, how can strong Christians be fooled into false doctrine and foolish dreams and desires?
Unfortunately in Matthew 24, the Word says that even the elect will possibly be deceived. This means those who walked with the Lord but have chosen another path for some reason or another. The enemy of our soul is not concerned in fighting those who are already confused and unsure, he is looking to tear down those who are strong in the Lord because he knows his time is short. I encourage you along with myself to guard yourself. Watch out for the deception of the enemy. Remember that attacks can come in any shape, sometimes even in a wrong friendship or relationship that is harmful to us. We are running into the arena, we can not let the distractions of this world take us of the race at this point. We must be extra careful in living right. For those who know the truth, return to your first love. Remember the faithfulness of your God. Remember His love and plan for your life. Remember His goodness and know that He can fix whatever you may have done in your time away from Him and work all things for His glory. It's never too late. Preach the word. Preach the cross. Return to your first love. In this stage of the race, it is imperative that we live holy lives unto God. This is the churches finest hour. Be vigilant and watch for your adversary roams around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Arena Generation

Hebrews 12:1 "Herefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us"

My friends, we have reached the point in time the prophets of old as well as Jesus himself gave clear warning of. We are in a time Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24 and 12 where because of great iniquity the love of many shall wax cold. We are seeing the reality of Romans 1 28 through verse 32 where God is giving the sinful over to depraved minds. Confusion is as prominent in the church as it is in the world and sin has been accepted into the church like a new member. These are perilous times, with disasters affecting multiple nations cities and peoples leaving none untouched.

In these times, we must remember to finish the race well. Generations before us have taken the torch and run their miles. Now it is up to us. It is easy to start with a crowd but we must be able to cross the finish line even if we are alone. Do not sway from the teachings of the Word. Do not be caught away in faithless doctrine, having a form of Godliness but denying its power. Stand Firm. Keep going. Though none may go with you still follow. It is our turn. The torch is now in our hands. Do not let the flame die. The arena is just ahead and countless others who have gone ahead stand ready to join you as you run in. Keep the flame alive. Do not be pressured to change. The message of the cross is timeless and will stand relevant to all generations. It is your turn. Keep going. Keep praying. Keep telling the word. Keep anointing others and praying the prayer of faith for healing and the baptism in the Holy Ghost. We are the generation that is called to take this torch all the way to final arena.