A Nugget from New Life Network
(excerpts from Dr. Larry Ollison)
Scripture for the Day (September 12, 2018)
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
Words and observations enter through the realm of our soul (mind, will, and emotions). 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 John 16:6 about the things that were about to happen 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 actually yours. If you hear and accept words of sadness then the sadness will grow and sadness is a type of fear. The very next statement Jesus made in John 16:7 was a statement of faith that drives out fear.
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (John 16:7)
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 it, his lies and deceptions are planted into your heart and will grow into full manifestation unless you cast them down. A great example of that is the story of Ananias and Sapphira. “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)
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 that choice, so choose wisely.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: (Deuteronomy 30:19)
