Blog 168
September 14, 2020
MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!
Robert Wise explores the world of divine interventions from an objective point of view. An Archbishop in the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Church with a Ph.D., Rev. Wise relates his interviews with persons who experienced divine interventions.
THE CUP OF BLESSING — Part 2
The Sacraments of the Church aren’t magic … but they are filled with power. That’s how we began last week as I shared an experience form Rev. Grant Crichton’s church in Saskatchewan, Canada. In recent days, many people with worries about the Covid-19 pandemic have returned to the church seeking divine intervention. Particularly churches that stress the sacraments are discovering a source of power. Through the centuries during the worst of times, multitudes have come to the church seeking the same help.
Last week, I also shared walking through the Catacombs of St. Sebastian in Rome where one finds the graves of the earliest saints. At the bottom of the catacombs was a worship center where for centuries people knelt, prayed, and were renewed. When we have personal need we can return to the altar of Christ and seek the same Presence in the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
Here’s an example.
A new woman began attending Rev. Grant Crichton’s church. She was alienated from her family and had been struggling with health issues. Her faith journey had taken her to a wide range of churches including Catholicism, Pentecostalism, and ending up with a blend and brand of her own choosing. The pain in her life seemed to pour out during the worship service. When the service came to Holy Communion, she was particularly overwhelmed. Often the woman would cry or fall on the floor. She might lay there for a long time seemingly in deep prayer or thought. Rev. Crichton let her be while he continued to pray for her.
Eventually after one of the services, she shared how relief had come into her life. Since regularly attending Holy Communion and praying the Lord’s Prayer repeatedly with the congregation, she felt her feelings of bitterness subsiding, As the old hurts faded, a new sense of peace settled over her. She had not felt this calm and encouragement for a long, long time. A new energy had come into her life. Her medical problems ceased. She wanted Rev. Crichton to know she was now bringing her friends to church. Her life was different and joy had returned.
I would not call this a miracle, but it certainly was a divine intervention. The Holy Spirit had gradually used the sacraments of the church to bring renewal. Possibly, a lesson for today is that the work of God may be gradual but it is persistent. Renewal and change follow.
Let Us Pray
We are calling on people to join with us in praying for America once a day for the next year. During this serious time, your prayers can make vital difference.
Please join us.
YOU MIGHT ENJOY MY NEWEST BOOK HOT OFF THE PRESS
82 DAYS ON OKINAWA
Harper-Collins Publishers
JUST OUT – IT’S A THRILLER!
Col. Art Shaw & Robert L. Wise
You can find 82 DAYS ON OKINAWA at your local book store or on Amazon.
miraclesnevercease.com 