It has been said how you live is how you die. This statement is not always completely true, but it is generally supported by scripture. While the thief on the cross next to Jesus made a last minute change in his destiny, most people in the Bible arrived at the destination that was determined by the course they set in life.
While it is possible to receive salvation and change your destiny for eternity in the last moments of your physical life, that’s usually not the case. Most often the momentum of the course you set will determine the outcome of your destination. Let me explain.
You may remember the story of a commercial airplane that crashed and burned several years ago, killing all the occupants, except for one man who was miraculously delivered without being burned. He was a guest on many talk shows and a sought-after speaker for years, telling his story of the miraculous delivery from certain death.
I remember seeing him on one talk show where they asked him two questions. The first question was, “What had you done the morning before you took your flight?” His response was that he had spent time in prayer and studied the scriptures.
The second question they asked him was, “As the fuel was igniting and flames were rushing through the cabin, was everyone crying out to God?” His answer will always stay with me. He said that while clothing and flesh were burning, he fully expected to hear people crying to God for help. But what he heard was cursing and screams of vile accusations toward God. He went on to say that for a long period of time this troubled him. Why would people, with imminent death ahead, curse God? He said it was revealed to him during a time of prayer that in a disaster, most people will die no different than the way they have lived. He said it’s just like Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of your heart, your mouth will speak.”
Over the years as I have thought about this man’s testimony, it has solidified my belief that what we think, speak, and do in our daily lives builds a foundation in our heart that affects our blessing and protection.
The Roman Emperor Constantine believed that once he was baptized, his sins would be washed away and he would attain salvation and clean entrance into heaven. Because of this, he put off baptism, waiting until he thought he was near death, and then his plan was to be baptized just before he died.
Sadly, many Christians unknowingly live their lives with the same attitude, putting off an intimate relationship with God for one reason or another. Again, we must remember that what you put into your heart is what comes out of your heart in the form of words, actions, and deeds.
I am a strong believer in the grace of God. It’s by grace we were saved, through faith, and because He has paid the price in full for our salvation, health, and prosperity, we receive what we don’t deserve (Eph. 2:8). But His grace does not give us an excuse for knowingly denying His power when everything is going well, but then claiming it in a moment of need. While our salvation is based upon what Jesus did and not by our own works or accomplishments, the blessing in our lives is directly affected by our obedience and submission to Him.
While we receive by faith, the Bible tells us very clearly that faith without works is dead (James 2:20). When you reject the power of the supernatural by living a lifestyle of the world, it’s difficult to change your heart in a moment’s notice. Your words may change immediately, but your heart is full of the sum and consistency of your life. While a rudder turns a ship, the Titanic still hit the iceberg because of the course it had set. Changing the rudder at the last moment did not change the course. The course and momentum had been set.
Don’t let this article discourage you if you have your course set in the wrong direction, but be encouraged and change your course today. While it may take a little time to actually see the course correction, with the proper setting it will happen. Speak the promises of God over your life and cast down the vain imaginations of doubt and unbelief that the enemy will attempt to place in your mind. These thoughts that are contrary to the Word of God are for the purpose of getting you off course. With the Word of God in your heart and His promise on your lips, even through storms, you will stay on course and reach your destination of victory.
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 eight 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.