SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
(Mark 16:17-18) (17) "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;" (18) "They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."
(Mark 16:19-20) (19) "So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God." (20) "And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen."
(Acts 3:6-9) (6) "Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." (7) "And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength." (8) "And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God." (9) "And all the people saw him walking and praising God:"
PROLOGUE
This message reflects on the power of God that was visible in earlier generations, with signs, miracles, and wonders leaving people speechless and stunned because of the great things God was doing among his people, and it is distressing to discover that some of the very people God anointed so powerfully either slipped into false doctrines and teachings that deviated from the truth of the Gospel, filled early graves, or even fell back into bad habits, such as addiction or moral failings.
My wife Tin and I were scheduled to speak at a Miracle Life Church in Gensan, Philippines. Three days before our trip, I consecrated myself to seek the Lord for a message that would bring comfort and clear direction to the church we were to minister in and all those who would read this message.
The night before our trip, I felt the Lord impress me to walk down the stairs of our apartment complex located on the fifth floor to the basement floor. I usually do this every evening to exercise, but it was well into the night hours when the Lord touched my heart to go for a walk.
While standing on the balcony, I reminded God of how He had led me to give up everything and move to the Philippines for the beginning stages of the end-time revival. I felt like a prisoner ten thousand miles away from home, having to rely on my wife for everything, even to hire a cab to take us where we needed to go.
The Lord spoke to me unexpectedly, saying, "Your miracle will find you." This unexpected message, echoing prophecies from several mighty men and women of God I received before leaving the United States, filled me with awe and wonder at the Lord's mysterious ways.
Recently, the Lord came to me in a dream, asking me to write an article about Peter and John meeting the paralyzed man by the beautiful gate. He asked me to title it "Your Miracle Will Find You."
One well-known evangelist told me that God needed me in the Philippines immediately instead of my planned arrival in October. He said God would drop the visa requirement before February 18, my birthday.
The evangelist confirmed that God plans to use me for a miracle ministry. On February 10, 2022, they dropped the visa requirements, and I arrived in the Philippines on March 10, 2022, to be with my wife. This sequence of events, all falling into place at the right time, was a clear sign of God's divine timing, reassuring me of His perfect plan.
When God spoke to me in my spirit that my miracle would find me, I knew that he was reminding me of the many years when he orchestrated events that led me to the right people, who not only helped me move to another level but also made ways for his glory to be revealed in mighty revivals that touched many people.
Beloved, I pray that you will hearken to the urgency of the Spirit's calling to take this message to your churches as a wake-up call. The Lord's coming is near, and each of us has a crucial role in spreading God's word. Let this message inspire you to action, emphasizing the importance of your contribution to God's mission and his kingdom.
"REVIVING GOD"S SPIRIT IN TODAY'S CHURCH."
Many churches today claim to have the power and anointing of God on their services but often lack compassion for the culture around them. Some churches leave their attendees more entertained than uplifted. The truth is, "They are just seeking a weekend experience that will cost them nothing."
They do not want the truth and avoid facing their sins. They desire a tidy religion they can control, refusing to sit under a Bible-believing minister who labels sin for what it is. They love to complain that preaching like that could put them on a guilt trip. They want the power of the resurrection without first enduring the agony of the cross, and it is forbidden territory for their pastor to preach against sins like repentance, brokenness, and unforgiveness.
The Holy Word of God speaks in Acts 3:6-9 of Peter and John, Jesus's disciples, making their way to the temple to pray. Along the way, they noticed a man lying by the beautiful gate near the temple, asking for alms.
This large and stunning gate was embedded with precious jewels and stones, undoubtedly a sight for everyone passing by. In the presence of all this beauty laid a man whom they later discovered was lame from birth. Others cared enough to carry him daily to sit by the beautiful gate to beg for alms.
Peter and John did not pray for the man, but the scriptures declare that Peter took hold of his right hand, lifted him, and said, "Look on us. For silver and gold, we do not have, but what we do have, I give you. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, rise and walk."
One thing that stood out to me is that Peter was not broke when he made this statement. He had just experienced some powerful meetings where thousands of people were saved. In several instances, the word indicates that people brought their alms and offerings and laid them down at the disciples' feet.
When Peter spoke the words of faith, the man immediately received strength in his ankles and feet. The man rose, leaping and praising God. He entered the temple with Peter and John, leaping and praising God in front of everyone, including the elders. This demonstrates more power outside the temple than within it.
Peter and John did not pray for the man; instead, Peter took his hand and said, "Rise up and walk." The disciples of Jesus put into action the authority delegated to them by calling on the name above all names, and we today can use that same name and authority to free others.
God's power is not confined to church buildings but actively touches broken humanity outside the four walls of a church. He seeks someone willing to respond to His call on their life and allow Him to use them to bring others into the family of God.
When we use Jesus's name, we invoke a name God recognizes, causing His holy angels to stand at attention. (Psalms 103:20) "Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word."
In this setting, the man represents lost, broken humanity, relying on others to take him where he wants to go. He notices that the man lying by the beautiful gate encounters Peter and John, who are known as unlearned men. These chosen disciples of the Lord may not have been educated. Still, they knew how to walk in kingdom authority and exercised that authority to free the disabled, lame man lying by the beautiful gate outside the temple.
The power of God, available to them through the name above every name, is accessible to you and me today; yes, the same power that healed the lame man by the beautiful gate seeks someone who will surrender their life to God and step out in faith on His word to believe Him for the impossible.
I urge you to use your imagination and visualize this man interrupting the temple service, shouting that he no longer has to rely on others to take him where he wishes to go. Listen as he exclaims that he now has two good legs and two strong feet to take him anywhere he needs to go. Can you imagine how you would react if you were him?
When these men of God acted in faith, calling on Jesus' name, God's power moved to heal the lame man. As believers, have we not been given that same authority by Jesus to set the captives free today?
God does not give gifts for a past day that are unavailable today, for that would be giving an imperfect gift. Do not the Holy Scriptures (Hebrews 13:8) declare that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever? This means that what He was yesterday, He will be today, and what He did yesterday, He will do today.
Mark, Chapter Sixteen, informs us that the same delegated authority bestowed by God to Christ is available for all who will believe and call upon His name. This delegated authority is confirmed by Christ, as found in Luke 22:29 and Matthew 18:18.
"THE FLOW OF GOD'S SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS."
When I think about how the man who met Peter and John at the beautiful gate must have felt as he leaped and praised God in that temple, I also visualize the Lord sitting by the pool of Siloam, observing the priests in their colorful attire coming to draw water from the pool and perform their ritual dance. I can almost picture that it was then, knowing he would soon become the living water, that the Lord said, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink."
John 7:37 states, "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, 'If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.' (38) "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.'"
Ezekiel 47:3-4 reads, "And when the man with the line in his hand went eastward, he measured a thousand cubits and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles. [4] "Again, he measured a thousand and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again, he measured a thousand and brought me through; the waters were to the loins.'"
Ezekiel 47:5-7 7 continues, "[5] Afterward, he measured a thousand, and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters had risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over. [6] And he said unto me, 'Son of man, hast thou seen this?' Then he brought me, and it caused me to return to the river's brink. [7] Now when I had returned, behold, at the riverbank were many trees on one side and on the other."
I could speak for hours about the significance of the water mentioned in Ezekiel chapter forty-seven. The water starts at ankle depth, rises to the knees, reaches the loins, and ultimately transforms into a river that requires us to swim.
This river symbolizes the depths of the Holy Spirit. In this blessed river, we will witness the power of the living God in healing lost humanity from their sins and diseases through miracles, signs, and wonders that are yet to be seen.
Notice that the prophet had a guide with him until the water became too deep to walk, forcing him to start swimming. For the prophet to swim, the guide had to let him go. Another exciting aspect of this story is that when the prophet returned to the river's brink, he saw trees growing, realizing that new life and growth had emerged.
Last year, my wife, some close friends, and I took a memorable trip to a breathtaking white sandy beach. While there, I decided to take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear ocean, an experience that became profoundly spiritual. This moment reminded me of a childhood memory from when I was just eight. My dad had gently placed me on a small, bright yellow air mattress, unaware that the tide was receding.
Caught in the strong currents, I felt the pull, the force of the ocean separating me from safety. Like a giant hand, a massive wave knocked me off, leaving me feeling small and helpless in the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. Despite my inability to swim, I turned to prayer. I felt God's hand guiding me back to my little yellow raft in awe-inspiring grace, and even a wave helped me climb onto it. Against all odds, I was guided back to shore, a testament to the power of faith and the presence of God in our lives.
Stepping into the waters of that pristine white beach, the memory of my childhood brush with drowning came rushing back. As I ventured into the deeper waters, I felt God's presence enveloping me. His voice whispered, "Relax and let the water carry you."
In conclusion, I want to state that the early church learned to let the Holy Spirit carry them, displaying a remarkable manifested glory that can be summarized as follows: “Wherever God receives the glory, the power of God will be manifested in places and situations where God is revered and worshiped as God.”
"ARE YOU RUNNING ON A BATTERY OR A CONTINUOUS SUPPLY?"
As we navigate these challenging times, I would like to pose a few fundamental questions that may help us reflect more deeply on the current state of our churches. These questions challenge our assumptions and encourage us to think critically about the events unfolding within the body of Christ.
1. Do you know the Lord in the power of His resurrection?
2. Did you know that God, in His infinite power, created a fish that can produce six to eight hundred volts of electricity in its body? What a magnificent display of His creative power!
3. Did you also know that it takes 600 volts of electricity to operate one of today’s vast electric trains?
God designed electric eels to generate more than twice that amount, up to 850 volts, which they use to control electrical impulses and send low-voltage bursts to catch fish trying to hide from them. This is a compelling demonstration of God's design and control over all forms of power, including the power we seek in our spiritual lives.
Some people stand today claiming to be able to get the power of God on the situation of others and tend to lack enough faith to get it on their own. Others speak about the need for power but are unwilling to pay the price. Did you know God ordains all power? (Romans 13:1) "There is no power but of God, and all power is ordained of God." We cannot expect to witness God’s power without a sense of expectancy when we approach Him.
Far too many believers today face the weakness of not fully understanding their assigned roles and allowing others to distract them from their vision. If you do not pursue your vision, which is driven by your purpose, others will lead you to follow theirs.
Many church leaders lack the discernment needed to recognize when they place someone who is not of God in authority over their people. Our responsibility is to align ourselves with God's Holy Word, which He honors above His name, and maintain our solitude with Him in prayer, allowing His Spirit time to instill His will in our hearts.
When God appears in His holiness, the works of men are tested, and what we believe was the work of His Spirit will be revealed as nothing more than our fleshly cravings and desires, which will burn and be consumed by fire.
Many contemporary churches have transformed into social clubs, where the focus has shifted away from demonstrating love and compassion toward lost people. This change has caused some churches to resemble the selfish elder brother depicted in the parable of the prodigal son, who lacked empathy and understanding.
We must listen to God's voice and be open and receptive to His message to hear it and receive His blessings. Our faith grows stronger when we spend time in God's Word and witness Him coming through for us, even in the most challenging circumstances.
We can achieve remarkable feats when we unite as a harmonious body, embracing love and unity. By sharing God's message of hope and salvation, we can offer guidance and support to those searching for answers, contributing to a more compassionate and understanding world.
It is essential to recognize that nurturing a deep, meaningful relationship with God requires genuine commitment and sincerity. We cannot seek quick fixes or shortcuts in this journey. We must be prepared to earnestly devote ourselves to seeking His anointing through acts of consecration, dedicated periods of solitude, fervent prayer, and disciplined fasting.
In conclusion, when we embrace these spiritual disciplines, we acknowledge that even our Lord humbled Himself to do the same. It's important not to let self-condemnation weigh heavily on our hearts, as this can lead us away from our intended purpose to fulfill our vision.
"GOD"S MANIFESTED POWER AND GLORY ON DISPLAY."
God's manifested glory and presence will be displayed and seen wherever His attributes are shown. His divine presence is most evident in transforming lives, acts of love and compassion, and genuine worship through answered prayers, moments of grace and mercy, provision in times of need, healing, and restoration.
It appears in the kindness of others, selfless actions that uplift and change individuals, and heartfelt expressions of reverence and adoration towards God, connecting us all in His glory. This glory is unmistakably evident in biblical passages highlighting God's presence and power among believers.
For instance, in Acts 5:14-15, we see believers being added to the church and the sick being brought out into the streets so that the passing shadow of Peter can bring healing and deliverance to them. This powerful demonstration highlights the direct impact of God’s glory on people's lives. It offers reassurance and comfort in public spaces and showcases His divine presence and influence.
For those with a burning desire to be used by God, I want to share four key points that will help prepare you to be the one God uses in this next move of His Spirit, a revival of His glory, better defined as His way of life where the power of the Word of God is preached with authority under the name of Jesus to reach a hurting world that seeks answers, with some even looking for a reason to live.
After concluding a 43-year trucking career and being led by the Lord to live and conduct ministry throughout the Philippines, the Lord awakened me in the middle of the night to write down some essential words, which I wish to share with you.
1. Do not doubt that I, the Lord, am with you; I am the one who brought you to it, and if I bring you to it, I am
capable and will see you through it.
2. Those who do not understand you will see Me working through you and begin to believe I am with you.
3. As long as you remain humble, I will work through you to touch others. Remember, I chose you for this time and
this era.
4. Never doubt that the one who planned your life before you were born is right by your side, ordaining your steps
and opening doors of opportunity for you to enrich the lives of others.
As believers experience spiritual growth, healing, and liberation from past wounds, their deepening relationship with God manifests His glorious power. This transformation in their lives is a testament to God's glory and serves as an inspiring example for others.
When believers exhibit acts of kindness, forgiveness, and compassion towards others, they exemplify God's attributes and reflect His compassion. Their interactions with those around them showcase God's character and express His manifested glory.
MY CONCLUSION
It is evident today that particular churches prioritize social engagement over spiritual fulfillment. Instead of embodying the essence of a place of worship, they resemble more of a social gathering, showing a diminished sense of compassion for those in need. This pattern aligns with the behavior of the selfish elder brother in the parable of the prodigal son, reflecting a shift away from their underlying purpose.
Over many years, it has become apparent that certain church elders regularly concealed their own and others' transgressions, effectively sacrificing their spiritual integrity for personal gains. Their actions have contributed to a widespread rejection of religious beliefs. Consequently, it is essential to ask: "Have we gradually become accustomed to the prevalence of moral darkness in our midst?"
There is a growing trend in some churches where the leadership hesitates to invite evangelists to conduct revival events. This reluctance stems from a fear of potential revelations that may emerge during these events. As a result, some pastors resort to organizing revival gatherings among themselves.
These so-called revivals often consist of meetings where the pastors advertise that they possess a fervent spiritual fire. However, no documented accounts of changed lives or tangible evidence of transformative impacts following these events exist upon closer examination. This trend raises concerns about these internal revivals' authenticity and actual effects.
In today's church world, leaders may shift their focus toward developing elaborate programs and constructing grand buildings rather than effectively ministering to the lost culture surrounding their church.
This raises the question of whether the central mission of reaching out to the community and guiding those seeking spiritual support is being set aside in favor of other priorities.
There is a growing trend of pastors resigning from their positions in today's society. This trend prompts the question: are these resignations a result of intense pressure from congregation members who are expected to embody God’s values, or is it due to constant scrutiny and questioning from the deacon board regarding every decision and action of the pastors?
(Proverbs 15:17) "Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a stalled ox and hatred along with it."
Why do pastors who barely manage often need to plead with people to attend church services continuously? Is it because individuals have grown so accustomed to immediate results and convenience in all aspects of their lives that they expect a church experience requiring no commitment or sacrifice?
If we are to experience God's fire again in our churches, we must be willing to discard our methods, including our timed programs, and give God the flexibility to move in our meetings. If we want God's power in our services, we must first experience it in our souls. This will require spending enough time with God to allow Him to instill His burden for lost souls in our hearts.
We are all part of Christ's glorious body; therefore, let us understand that we are better together, appearing as one body to a hurting world rather than a collection of loose body parts attempting to be God's man or woman of the hour. Until we overcome our selfish behavior, recognize that we need each other, and understand that we have one common enemy, we won't truly be fighting the good fight of faith.
When Paul said he fought a good fight, he wasn't referring to his local church or the one down the street.
It is essential to recognize and acknowledge that God works through His people to touch others. He wants to bring about change within our current generation and globally. This change encompasses a broad spectrum, from social and spiritual transformation to leaving a lasting impact on future generations for the greater glorification of God that will revolutionize our nation and ripple out to touch other corners of the world.
International Evangelist
Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D.
Miracle Life Church International
