The Scripture tells us that what we say in the natural realm, what we say with our mouths, has great impact in the spiritual realm.
Once I heard a man say that it really didn’t matter what he said or did. He said that God knew his heart and that was all that mattered. He even quoted scripture to me to support his belief. He opened his Bible and read from 1 Samuel 16:7 where it says, “man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Isn’t it amazing how some people will twist the Word of God in order to justify the sin in their life? The man reminded me of a scripture also. He reminded me of Romans 1:22 where it says, “Professing to be wise, they became fools.”
Yes, it is true that man looks at the outward appearance and God looks at the heart, but what that verse means is this. God doesn’t judge us because we are tall or short, because we have red hair or blond. He doesn’t judge us on the color of our skin or by the language we speak. That’s what man does.
God looks deeper into a man and looks upon his heart. And that’s what 1 Samuel 16:7 is talking about. God may not judge us by our outward appearance, but He cares very much what we do and what we say. He places great value on doing His Word and speaking His Word.
In order to speak the promises of God, we must believe the promises of God. Second Corinthians 4:14 says, “I believed therefore I spoke, we also believe and therefore speak.” What we believe in our hearts will eventually come out of our mouths.
If it is true that we will generally speak what we believe, and according to the verse we just read, it is true, then how can we make sure we believe the right things so we will speak the right things?
Well, here’s the answer. Believing the Word of God in your heart and speaking the Word of God with your mouth is a powerful combination. In reference to salvation, the Bible says in Romans 10:9 “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation.”
Here we are told that we must not only have a right heart, but we must have a mouth that speaks what our heart believes.
Before we speak, we must believe. And how do we believe? Well, it starts by hearing the Word of God.
In that same chapter of Romans in verse 14 it says, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?”
Then in verse 17 we are told how belief and faith are born. It says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” That’s right. As simple as it sounds, we get faith by hearing the Word of God.
So, when your words aren’t sounding like positive faith words but are beginning to sound like doubt and unbelief, check your faith level. And if it’s low, saturate yourself with the Word of God.
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.