It’s Time To Get Out Of The Boat

Our denominational pride has stifled many moves of the Spirit. People can get caught up in the attitude of “Us four and no more.” But what IF He comes in an “unacceptable way” and through people of no reputation? It has been said that the seven last words of the church are:

“WE NEVER DID IT LIKE THIS BEFORE!”

What if God moves through a people and in a way that contradicts our manmade doctrines and traditions? Will we shut Him out?

Listen to what Jesus said to the religious leaders of His day:

“You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions. You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men” (Mark 7:9; 8).

(None of us can point fingers here because we all are guilty of having traditions.)

Jesus went out of His way to heal on the Sabbath. He broke out of the constraints of manmade rules. And when He called Himself Lord of the Sabbath, He was proclaiming Himself Lord of every word of God made into a tradition of men. (This is the essence of all religious traditions: “God said this… but you say that” — and we think we are helping Him out.)

Which is more sacred to us, our “order of service” or the purpose of God? Which is more important to us, keeping the people happy (especially the good tithing members) or pleasing the Lord? If the Holy Spirit came with tongues to a “Non-Charismatic church,” would they reject their doctrine or reject the Spirit of the Living God?

If revival meant falling under the power, would the people still allow the power to fall?

Revival always comes with religious stumbling blocks, with divinely appointed “extras” that are not appreciated by all. “Extras” means death to pride and tradition. It comes with unwelcomed “bonuses” of the Spirit, something unexpected in the package.

“Lord, we’re so glad for Your visitation, but who asked for all this deliverance stuff? Why are the people trembling uncontrollably and weeping? And what’s all this speaking in tongues? Can’t you send us a nice, tame, controllable outpouring that we can enjoy for a while and then leave in church?”

“God does everything ‘decently and according to order'” (1Cor. 14:40, DRA): but according to His order, NOT OURS! Sometimes He has to violently shake us out of our ways before He can get us into His way. The Bible says, “Test the spirits” (1 John 4:1); it does not say, “test The Holy Spirit!” In other words, we don’t dictate to God.

Our personal preferences do not matter. Our “tastes” are inconsequential. He will move how He wants to move. He refuses to be put in a religious straitjacket. He will take His Spirit somewhere else where the people will give freedom for Him to move…. Revival belongs to God.

It’s time to get out of the boat and put your faith in action to do what God has called you to do. He is assembling His army now and there is no time for distractions, so keep focused on Him because we know the end of the story: we win! {eoa}

Bill and Cara Nordeen are messengers of hope to the world, encouraging believers to contend for their promises in the Lord through prophetic preaching, deep meat teaching of God’s Word, prophetic prayer ministry and Holy Spirit-led exhortations. Their ministry, High Tower Ministries, exists to help people find their new identity found in Christ as born-again, Holy Spirit-filled believers. With a passion for the lost and to see prodigals come home, High Tower Ministries has also been called to the church and has been given a unique mantel that God uses to open the door that brings refreshing to the body of Christ. By ushering in God’s glory, the wind of His Spirit blows on the parched places. Expect breakthrough and activation of the gifts of the Spirit! High Tower Ministries carries an anointing for divine breakthroughs and to open up things in the Spirit that have been locked. They leave behind an open door for the Lord’s refreshing and God’s glory to come in. Book your unlocking glory conference today through [email protected] ! Stay connected to High Tower Ministries through Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Submit prayer requests at [email protected]