“But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God'” (Acts 5:3-4).
Words and observations enter through the realm of the soul. When they enter, we have a choice. We either accept them or cast them down. The words we receive and accept eventually enter the heart and either strengthen fear or strengthen faith. What they strengthen is determined by the source of the words.
Words of doubt and unbelief, if accepted, will eventually develop or strengthen fear. Words of truth, if accepted, will strengthen or develop faith. Every thought you have either complements or contends with faith.
When Jesus was talking to His disciples, in Mark 16:6, He said, “But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart.” Your heart can be sad, or your heart can be happy. The decision is yours. Hear and accept words of sadness and sadness will grow. Sadness is a type of fear.
The Word of God is God’s faith. When you are open to receiving God’s Word, and you hear God’s Word, then faith goes into your heart like a seed. It will grow into a full manifestation.
In the same way, Satan’s words are like seed. When you are open to his words, even without realizing you are, his lies and deceptions are planted into your heart and will grow into full manifestation. Understanding is not necessary to receive.
So the conclusion is this. Allow your heart to be filled with God’s Word so that faith will abound. Reject and cast down the fear filled words of the enemy. Only you can make this choice. Choose wisely.
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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.