"If you dwell on your feelings about things rather than dwelling on the faithfulness, the love, and the mercy of God, then you're likely to have a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Our feelings are very fleeting and ephemeral, aren't they? We can't depend on them for 5 minutes at a time. But dwelling on the love, faithfulness, and mercy of God is always safe."

~Elizabeth Elliott

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

A. W. Tozer

The Testimony of the Spirit
By Oswald Chambers
October 22

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit. — Romans 8:16

We are in danger of getting into a negotiating mindset with God, of trying to haggle him into giving us the testimony of the Spirit before we’ve done what he tells us to do. “Why isn’t the Spirit testifying with my spirit?” you ask. “Why doesn’t God reveal himself to me?” The answer is that he won’t, not as long as you are in his way, refusing to abandon yourself to him. The instant you do abandon, God begins to testify to himself. He can’t testify to you—that is, to your human nature. Rather, he testifies to his own nature inside you, the nature you received when you were baptized by the Holy Spirit.

If you were to receive the testimony of the Spirit before the Spirit was a reality inside you, it would end in sentimental emotion. But the moment you stop debating and complete the spiritual transaction, the moment you ask for the Holy Spirit and receive him, God gives you the testimony. When you abandon intellectual reasoning and argument and hand yourself in faith to God, you will be amazed at your impertinence in having kept him waiting so long.

If you are debating the question of whether God can deliver you from sin, either let him do it or tell him he can’t. Don’t come at him with evidence, quoting this or that expert. Instead, try Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened.” Come, when you are burdened with doubt. Ask, if you know you are evil: “How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13).

The simplicity that characterizes commonsense decisions is easy to mistake for the testimony of the Spirit. But the Spirit testifies only to his own nature and to the work of redemption, never to our human reason. If we try to make him testify to our reason, it is no wonder we remain in darkness and perplexity. Fling your doubting and debating overboard, trust in God, and his Spirit will give the testimony.

Isaiah 65-66; 1 Timothy 2

Wisdom from Oswald
Much of the misery in our Christian life comes not because the devil tackles us, but because we have never understood the simple laws of our make-up. We have to treat the body as the servant of Jesus Christ: when the body says “Sit,” and He says “Go,” go! When the body says “Eat,” and He says “Fast,” fast! When the body says “Yawn,” and He says “Pray,” pray!

Real Manhood Explained in 60 Seconds | Paul Washer

10 Lessons from Joshua 4
1. Remembering God's Faithfulness
In Joshua 4, the Israelites set up twelve stones as a memorial after crossing the Jordan River. This act was a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and His mighty hand in delivering them. "These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever" (Joshua 4:7). In our lives, it's crucial to create our own "memorials" to remember God's past faithfulness, which strengthens our faith for future challenges.
2. Passing Down the Story
The stones were not just for the current generation but for future ones. "When your children ask their fathers in times to come, ‘What do these stones mean?’" (Joshua 4:21). Sharing stories of God's work in our lives with the next generation is vital. It keeps the faith alive and ensures that the legacy of God's goodness is passed down.
3. Obedience Leads to Miracles
The Israelites' obedience to God's command to cross the Jordan led to a miraculous event. "The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan" (Joshua 4:18). When we obey God's instructions, we open the door for Him to work wonders in our lives.
4. Leadership and Unity
Joshua's leadership was crucial in guiding the Israelites. His ability to unite the people under God's command was key to their success. "The LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel" (Joshua 4:14). Effective leadership, rooted in God's guidance, fosters unity and purpose among His people.
5. God's Timing is Perfect
The crossing of the Jordan happened at the exact moment God intended. "The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD" (Joshua 4:7). Trusting in God's perfect timing can be challenging, but His plans are always for our good and His glory.
6. The Power of Testimony
The stones served as a testimony to all the peoples of the earth. "He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful" (Joshua 4:24). Our testimonies of God's work in our lives can inspire and draw others to Him, showcasing His power and love.
7. Preparation for the Promised Land
Crossing the Jordan was a step towards claiming the Promised Land. It required preparation and faith. "The people hurried over" (Joshua 4:10). In our journey, preparation and faith are essential as we move towards the promises God has for us.
8. God's Presence is Central
The Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence, was central to the crossing. "The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD" (Joshua 4:10). Keeping God at the center of our lives ensures that we are guided by His wisdom and strength.
9. Celebrating Milestones
The Israelites celebrated their crossing with the memorial stones. Celebrating milestones in our spiritual journey is important. It acknowledges God's role in our achievements and encourages us to continue trusting Him.
10. Faith in Action
The entire event of crossing the Jordan was an act of faith. "The people crossed over opposite Jericho" (Joshua 4:13). Faith is not passive; it requires action. When we step out in faith, we allow God to work through us in extraordinary ways.

https://risingharvests.com/outpost-1211

Armor of God Prayer