Author: revwise

MEET MIKE AND BETH Part Two

BLOG 71 February 5, 2018 MIRACLES NEVER CEASE! 

Robert Wise explores the world of Divine intervention from an objective point of view. Can 21st Century people believe that the hand of God touches people in today’s world? Read and you’ll find new insights.

The ideas in this blog were first posted last summer, but the amazing event remains touching and are good for a second look.  During their work with the Vineyard Ministry, significant gifts from the Holy Spirit came forth for Mike and Beth. Prophetic insight helped to propel significant spiritual growth in Oklahoma City. Mike also began to experience a healing ministry.

During a conference in Monterrey, Mexico, Mike was working with local citizens who were “the poorest of the poor but the richest in faith.” During an evening service with robust singing and praise, a blind elderly woman was led forward for prayer assisted by two young people. A group of ministers assembled around Mike and all of them began to pray, asking the Holy Spirit to restore her sight.

As he interceded, Mike felt like he was being transported from Monterrey into a page out of the New Testament. While he was internally experiencing that ancient scene, the old woman began to cry.

“Yo veo!” the woman sobbed. “Yo veo?”

“I think she sees,” the minister next to Mike whispered.

Over and over again, the woman gave thanks and praise to Jesus Christ for healing her. As the service ended, she rushed out into the streets to tell everyone that she had received this wonderful healing. Her sight was restored.

As the evening ended, the teaching of Jesus in Luke 4:18-19 rang in Mike’s ears. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me to preach the gospel … and the recovery of sight to the blind.” In the same way a gift of healing had become part of Mike’s ministry.

The divine interventions and miracles have continued through the years for Mike and Beth as they reach out to the needs of others.

What can we learn?

Since the Western World is living in an age that considers empirical data to be supreme, some of Mike and Beth’s accounts may sound over the top to hard-nosed secularists. The prevailing world view of the modern world insists on scientific data and demonstrable facts. Obviously, some of the foregoing does not fit the mold. So, what do we do?

I’d suggest we change our world view.

If we are to understand miracles and learn how to live with divine interventions, we need to make a paradigm shift. We must recognize that the transcendent dimension won’t fit in a test tube or calculate on a computer. God’s world and Word must be encountered in God’s terms. The failure to face up to this reality will keep the door shut that must be opened in order to have some insight into divine interruptions. Mike and Beth can teach us a number of things about the doors we often keep closed. They grew up with the door open.

Has the promise, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me to preach the gospel … and the recovery of sight to the blind,” become out dated? Has the work of healing ministry stopped? Review some of these blogs and you’ll get the picture.

Miracles have never ceased!

by Categories: Dr. Robert Wise interview, MiraclesTags: , Leave a comment

MEET MIKE AND BETH

BLOG  70 January 29, 2018 MIRACLES NEVER CEASE 

Robert Wise explores the world of Divine intervention from an objective point of view. Can 21st Century people believe that the hand of God touches people in today’s world? Read and you’ll find new insights.

I have known Mike and Beth for 25 years. We have worked together, socialized, debated ideas, and watched their children grow up.  Much of what I report about their ministry comes from moments of personal observation. The Owens can share important insights with us. We’ll learn some new aspect of miraculous ministry.

Michael and Beth Owen are both ordained Christian Ministers and have been in full-time ministry for 34 years. Merging their highly divergent backgrounds led them through ministry in the Baptist Church, planting a Vineyard Fellowship, and finally becoming clergy in the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches. Along the way they discovered a ministry with divine interventions and miraculous encounters. How did such occur?

Mike’s family always stressed the importance of church and receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Mike struggled with such a decision. After praying for direction about being baptized, eight-year-old Mike crawled into bed. To this day, he still labors to grasp what followed.

In the corner of the bedroom, an angel in a bright white and turquoise robe floated above the floor. Tall and larger than life, the angel stood there smiling at him. Illuminated in a glowing light, the angel conveyed personal assurance to Mike. While there was no verbal communication, the angel’s smile answered his prayers. Mike knew what he needed to do in church the next day.

Today Michael prays daily, “Dear Lord please release your Holy Angels to watch over and protect my family and me and all those we carry in our hearts.”

Beth’s first angelic encounter came when she was fifteen-years-old and her aunt Barbara was dying. The family had already felt the impact of the death of her mother’s brother as well as two sisters and now another sister stood at death’s door. After an urgent phone call, Beth and her mother rushed to the hospital. As they stepped out of the elevator door, the announcement of a “Code Red” rang down the hall. Attendants rushed passed them but they were too late.

As they were leaving the hospital, Beth and her mother were standing at the street corner when Beth looked up. To her astonishment, she saw two massive white angels hovering above them. The angels stood on each side of Barbara.

Beth exclaimed, “Look, Mom! They’ve come to take Barbara home!”

Taller than the city street light, Beth could see the massive size of their bodies, legs, and feet as they ascended vertical upward. As they disappeared out of sight, Beth knew her understanding of God’s loving care was forever changed. The comfort of an all comprehensive peace settled over them.

These early experiences caused Michael and Beth to anticipate divine interventions in their ministries. Their ministries have encompassed a number of miraculous events.

Stay tuned. More to come next week.

by Categories: Dr. Robert Wise interview, MiraclesTags: , Leave a comment

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE NEW YEAR

BLOG 69 January 22, 2018 MIRACLES NEVER CEASE 

ThresholdtoEternitybook

Robert Wise explores the world of Divine intervention from an objective point of view. Can 21st Century people believe that the hand of God touches people in today’s world? Read and you’ll find new insights.

Several years ago I wrote Crossing the Threshold of Eternity. The book resulted from a multitude of interviews with people who had near death experiences. These discussions came from some of the most fascinating research of my life time. People talked about their journey with what lays beyond this lifetime. From those moments on the other side of life, I found that their lives were changed by their supernatural adventures.

If you haven’t read Crossing the Threshold of Eternity, you might pick it up at your local book store. You’ll be fascinated.

Here’s another book worth your time. Mary C. Neal, M.D. describes her extraordinary experience of her death and what followed in To Heaven And Back. The encounter began when Dr. Neal was floating down a river in Southern Chile and was swept over a waterfall where her kayak turned over, trapping her under the water. Mary died.

ToHeavenandBack

During her remarkable trip to heaven, she encountered angels as well as people who went on before her. Mary Neal came to a new insight for why people often see a bright white light when they have a near-death encounter.  Eventually, she realized it was not her time to stay in heaven. To her regret, she returned to her life in this world.

However, Dr. Neal’s life was forever changed. She had gained a new understanding of her purpose on earth. During this time in eternity, the doctor experienced a deeper and more profound awareness of the meaning of her relationship with Jesus who she met in his glorified state in heaven.

Because she was an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Neal‘s writing style has a scientific undergirding. While she writes as an evangelical Christian, her story is compelling from an objective view point. If you would like a new source of inspiration for this New Year, read Dr. Mary C. Neal’s story.

You’ll be moved.

by Categories: Divine Intervention, MiraclesTags: , Leave a comment

WHEN CONFUSION MATTERS

BLOG 68 January 15, 2018 MIRACLES NEVER CEASE

angel-blue

Robert Wise explores the world of Divine intervention from an objective point of view. Can 21st Century people believe that the hand of God touches people in today’s world?

Read and you’ll find new insights.

Followers of this blog have figured out by now that I am challenging the current social view that all we have is a physical world. Week after week, you’ve been presented the evidence for another dimension that breaks in with power and renewal. Moreover, my research further suggests that no special class or type of person is required to experience the empowerment of this additional realm often called eternity. In fact, the major requirement is not expertise or special capacity. The issue usually is need.

Don’t worry. These blogs will continue walking down that path.

A less obvious insight is the discovery that often people experience confusion in understanding what the wind of God is blowing their way. They may have the right answer without grasping what the heavenly response actually means. We have to work at understanding what the impact from the “other side” actually means. It IS worth the effort.

In previous blogs I’ve talked about the ministry of Leslie Draper, the counselor who works with angels. Leslie works with the eternal dimension everyday of the week. Recently, she shared a story with me that makes the point.

Mary was a lovely woman who needed a word from the Lord. She wanted to know if the angels could tell her anything. This was her first session and she waited quietly for Leslie to say something, anything.

Leslie kept hearing, “Mother Theresa” and was sure she was misreading the situation. She paused to reassure Mary that the angels were pleased that she had come and were thankful she was so kind and generous to people in need. As Leslie was talking, she once again heard, “Mother Theresa.”

Leslie felt frustrated and didn’t know what to say because she couldn’t conceive of any connection between Mary and Mother Theresa. Finally, Leslie threw up her hands and said, “I don’t know what to say, but the angels keep saying ‘Mother Theresa.’

Mary reached over and gently patted Leslie’s hand. She said, “My mother is Theresa.”

Mary went on to learn that the angel was conveying her mother’s love and appreciation  for her being a caring, compassionate, and selfless person. Mary was blessed by the exchange.

Don’t give up practicing listening, receiving, and believing. What today seems obscure will in time become clear.  You know that old saying, practice makes perfect.

by Categories: Dr. Robert Wise interview, MiraclesTags: , Leave a comment

Divine Intervention Stories

BLOG 67 January 8, 2018 

darkesthour

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE Followers of this blog know that Robert L. Wise has traveled across many states collecting stories of miracles and divine interventions that confront the contemporary secular mind. Read and see what you think.

As this New Year begins, I have a couple of recommendations for you. If you have not seen the movie The Darkest Hour, it is well worth your time. The story chronicles Sir Winston Churchill’s rise to the office of Prime Minister of England. Viewers are put in touch with the drama, tension, and courage of England as their army was being pushed off of Dunkirk. Sir Winston’s tenacity held England together.

I am reminded of a divine intervention that occurred when the British were backed against the wall. Three thousand soldiers were stranded on Dunkirk as the Nazis bore down. British generals estimated that only ten percent would survive if they tried to evacuate. Britain was literally faced with the annihilation of their army. Churchill asked the King to call for every boat both large and small to sail down and pickup every possible soldier. The King called the nation to prayer as everything from row boats to dinghies and fishing boats went forth to save the army. All across the country, people were on their knees.

Two things happened that never occur.

The sky became turbulent with a dangerous storm sending petulant winds down on the English Channel. The Luftwaffe, the German air force, could not penetrate the clouds.  At the same time, the channel became placid which never happens when a storm is brewing. Two contradictory conditions saved the army. When it was over, virtually the entire British Army escaped. The ten percent prediction was proven wrong by a nation in prayer. The British survived to fight Nazism on another day.

In a similar vein, here’s a book for the new year. Eben Alexander, M.D., wrote Proof of Heaven (Simon and Schuster) tells the story of  his near-death experience. Complete with medical documentation, he describes  his neurosurgeon’s journey into eternity and back again. For seven days, Eben lay in a comma. Then as doctors were considering stopping all treatment, the physician opened his eyes.  In this book, he described encountering an angelic being who guided him into the deepest realms of super-physical existence. Finally, Dr. Eben encountered and talked with God the Father himself.

Before this experience, Eben Alexander could not believe in the soul, heaven, or God. You will be moved as his story recounts that death is not the end of personal existence but a transition. No scientist or person of faith can ignore this book. As the new year begins, you will be inspired.

by Categories: Divine Intervention, miraculousTags: , Leave a comment

A WONDERFUL SEASON TO ALL!

HOLIDAY BLOG CHRISTMAS DAY 2017

Jesus-Is-Christmas

May you, your family, and your friends, have a wonderful season of joy. As we stand on the eve of a New Year, our prayer is for 2018 to be the best year of your life. Let us pray that a world in turmoil and a divided nation will find a new center in the love of our heavenly Father.

We’re gone until after January 1st, but we’ll be back with more to come. Stay tuned as we begin another year wrapped in hope.

Robert L. Wise

by Categories: Divine Intervention, MiraclesTags: , Leave a comment

DORTHY, ARE WE STILL IN KANSAS?

BLOG 66 December 18, 2017 MIRACLES NEVER CEASE 

praying-together-1200.1200w.tn

Followers of this blog know that Robert L. Wise has traveled across many states collecting stories of miracles and divine interventions that confront the contemporary secular mind. Read and see what you think.

This isn’t about the tin man, the cowardly lion, the scarecrow, and Dorothy, but it did happen in Kansas with friends who live in Hutchinson.

In previous blogs, you have probably noticed that people were praying fervently when someone was in trouble. I have observed that often people practice two types of prayers. One variety tells God to pay attention because he’s not aware of the disaster they are facing. The other kind calls on the Holy Spirit to descend on the person in need. Intercessors consider their prayers to be conduits for the power of God to flow through them into the dangerous situation at hand. Here’s an example.

Quinton Moore is the Presiding Bishop of the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches. I’ve know him, his family, and their daughter Heather for years.  I didn’t know that Sean and Heather were expecting another child. As part of the usual pre-natal car, Heather went for her regular check-up. The doctor took some x-rays that stopped him in his tracks.

“Heather,” he said soberly. “We have a serious problem.” He held the x-ray up for her to see the disaster. “The fetus has Spinal Bifida.”

Heather, Sean, and the extended family were crushed. Their response was immediate. “What can we do?”

The doctor suggested they go to Wichita, Kansas to a specialist. Their questions would be critical and the Moore family needed the most competent help they could find. An appointment was set up for two days later and Quinton began praying. Calling Sean’s family to join with them, they went into a constant day and night intercession.

The examination in Wichita began. While Heather was undergoing a complete diagnostic regimen, the two families in the waiting room continued their prayers. Quinton paced back and forth asking the Holy Spirit to intervene with power and healing.

Eventually, the doctor came out, holding two x-rays. He began a rambling discussion of the condition and their procedures. Finally, Quinton interrupted him.

“Look doctor. Just tell us what the bottom line is. That’s all we want to know.”

The doctor took a deep breath and held up the two x-rays. He pointed to the spine area. “This first one clearly shows the condition.” Then he held up the second x-ray they had just made. Again, he pointed to the spine. “Look! It’s gone. The fetus does not have Spinal Bifida.”

The family cheered.

“Did the first doctor make a mistake?” Quinton asked. “Did we have a miracle?”

The doctor shook his head. “Just can’t say. “Miracles as good a word as any.”

“We’ve had a miracle!” Quinton declared.

In The Wizard of Oz, the lion got a heart, the scarecrow a brain, etc.etc., but none compare with Heather’s gift. Yes, Dorothy, prayer works.

 

by Categories: Divine Intervention, Dr. Robert Wise interviewTags: , Leave a comment

THE UNEXPECTED IN CUBA

BLOG 65 December 4, 2017 MIRACLES NEVER CEASE 

Followers of this blog know that Robert L. Wise has traveled across many states collecting stories of miracles and divine interventions that confront the contemporary secular mind. Read and see what you think.

Although I knew little about their work, I had heard of the Crusades that T.L. and Daisy Osborn began in 1949 that had stretched around the globe. Possibly, this is all news to you because the work of the Osborn family had been almost entirely outside of the United States. However, I had first run into reports of T.L. Osborn’s work that had been revolutionary in the Netherlands immediately after World War II.  Both T.L. and Daisy have passed away, but LaDonna Osborn continued the ministry in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Recently, I met LaDonna Osborn

LaDonna had a light in her eyes that sparkled with a penetrating and unique glow. Although, I came knowing virtually nothing about her, I quickly knew she was an extraordinary  individual with a passionately devout faith. As we talked, LaDonna shared the story of the family’s work in a multitude of countries.

In the ‘50s, T.L. Osborn held a meeting in Camaguey, Cuba. A woman who had been totally blind came forward to proclaim a total healing. Her eyesight was completely restored. While startling, this was nothing new to the Osborns. In their meetings that encountered thousands, they had come to expecte such results.

One young man who had been blind since birth was walking across a field toward the services when he suddenly crumbled to the ground. The people around him thought he had died. Actually, he had received a vision of the risen Christ that was so overpowering that he was struck to the ground. When he finally regained consciousness, he stood up and proclaimed loudly, “I have seen the Lord, and now I can see. I was blind, but now I see!”

How does such happen? I ask LaDonna how she explained such occurrences. She quickly answered, “The Bible says Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. What he did in the past, he continues to do today. We preached Jesus, people believed, and Jesus confirmed the message with his miracle power.”

Over the years, the Osborns documented an almost incalculable number of miracles. Their message was simple; the results were profound.

Stay with me. There’s more to come next week.

by Categories: Divine Intervention, Dr. Robert Wise interviewTags: , 1 Comment