To some people “practical faith” may be an oxymoron. The words “faith” and “practical” do not seem to go together. The world sees faith as something that is impractical. In fact, the world believes that Christians think backward or contrary to logic.
Christians believe that in order to receive, you have to give. Christians believe that in order to be lifted up, you need to humble yourself. Christians believe that in order to live, we must first die. This is contrary 180 degrees to the way the world believes.
Consequently, when we speak of “faith,” the world looks at us and thinks that we are out of touch with reality. The world doesn’t understand spiritual things.
Understanding Spiritual Things
Understanding the spiritual things of God is impossible without faith. Faith is the key ingredient in understanding. Without faith, we see only the superficial outward appearance of knowledge.
In order for a Christian to be successful, he must walk daily in faith. Through faith, there will be greater accomplishments in life. Whether we are at home or at work, our lives can be greatly enhanced if we can just grab hold of the truth and realize that faith will improve our daily lives.
Making a decision not in faith (in fear or worry) brings stress and only a chance of success.
Wouldn’t it be better to go with the one that wins every time—faith?
Faith, Joy and Peace
When we walk in faith, we will be also walking in joy and peace. We will be excited about what God is doing. We will know our authority.
We will not walk in pride, but we will walk into the spiritual battleground and into the battlegrounds of life with our heads held high, knowing that the shield of faith will protect us. The Bible says, “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
Stress, worry and fear are not from God. God is the giver of good gifts. Stress, worry and fear are not good. James 1:17 says that every good and perfect gift comes from Him. If it isn’t good, it isn’t God.
God wants us to live in rest, peace and freedom. He has given us a way to live that will totally eliminate stress and worry in our lives. That way is to live by faith.
Faith is simply believing God and acting on what we believe. We must believe God so completely that everything we say and do aligns with what He says in His Word. God has said He will prosper us, heal us and restore us.
If we can believe that, then there is no need for worry or stress.
God has a plan for handling stress, and that plan is faith.
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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.