Centuries before Jesus came to the earth, God’s people, the Hebrews (or Israelites), were captives in Egypt. God told Moses to guide the people out of Egypt and into the Promised Land.
After leaving Egypt, Moses sent twelves spies into the Promised Land to check it out before the nation of Israel entered into it. When the twelve spies returned, ten of them were horrified and in great fear. Even though the Promised Land was beautiful and full of an abundance of crops, they were fearful of the ones who occupied the land. They said, “The land is full of giants that are so big that we see ourselves as grasshoppers compared to them.”
The remaining two spies, Joshua and Caleb, were not fearful and had a completely different outlook on the situation. In their report to the people of Israel they said, “The land is bountiful, flowing with milk and honey, and while it is true there are giants in the land, that is totally irrelevant. If God has told us to take the land, we can do it and it doesn’t make any difference who is there or what the circumstances look like.”
At this point in this story, we find the first account of a democratic government decision. The vote was 10 to 2 in favor of fear and disobedience. Because the Israelites decided to believe the negative report of failure, they received the consequences of the decision. They believed the negative words of the ten spies instead of believing the positive promise of God and they got what they believed. The Bible goes on to tell us that every person above the age of twenty at the time of the decision to not follow God’s command, died in the wilderness and did not see the Land of Promise. Only Joshua and Caleb and the next generation entered into Canaan Land.
This should be a strong lesson for Christians living in the last days. First, government decisions are not always right. Secondly, we must believe what is right and even though we may be affected by the decisions of the government, victory will be ours if we continue to believe God’s Word. Joshua and Caleb were forced to obey the law of the land and were not able to enter the Promised Land during the time that God had told them they could. But because they believed God and did not waver in their belief and because they stood up for what they believed, their lives were extended beyond anyone else and they were able to walk in the Promise that they believed in.
I encourage you today to continue in the commands of God and you will receive The Blessing that is the result of obedience. During the times when everyone is saying, “Keep your seed,” I want to encourage you to continue to sow. Seed in the sack will never yield a harvest. It’s only seed sown in a fertile field that brings forth harvest.
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.