THE GOLDEN FISH

Blog 407

November 16, 2025

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

Rev. Robert L. Wise, Ph.D. explores the world of divine interventions from an objective point of view. An Archbishop in the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches with a Ph.D. and the author of 36 books, Rev. Wise relates his interviews with persons who experienced the touch of God.

THE GOLDEN FISH

            Ed had been touched by reading psychiatrist M. Scott Peck’s book People of the Lie that demonstrated evil was real. In addition, he found Thomas Merton’s The Seven Story Mountain to be inspiring. Moreover, Dietrich Bonhoffer’s Cost of Discipleship proved to be equally compelling. At the time he was reading and exploring Freudian and Jungian ideas about the subconscious mind. Ed wasn’t sure what he believed and saw much of Christian thought as a product of the unconscious. He simply couldn’t decide. However, Ed Collins (name used for anonymity sake) continued to struggle with what he should believe. Then came the dream.

            As a boy he fished in Candlewood Lake in Danbury, Connecticut. He had both fished from a boat and through the ice in the winter. In his dream, Ed was back on the ice fishing with a dear friend.  He was surrounded by piles of snow and cold weather. When fishermen cut a hole in the ice, they had to sit there until a fish comes by which could take a long time in the bitter freezing weather.

            To Ed’s surprise, in his dream a fish poked its head out of the hole in the ice. That simply never happened! Ed looked closer. The first appeared to have a golden color. He looked closer. The color wasn’t just yellow; the entire fish was golden. In fact, the fish was a giant Goldfish! (such never happens in that northern cold climate) Everything about the dream was a symbol of his own search.

            Ed began to grasp the meaning of the fish. The Goldfish embodied the ancient Greek word for fish IXTHUS, which the earliest Christians understood was an anachronism for JESUS CHRIST THE SON OF GOD OUR SAVIOR. Far beyond an inner mental gymnastics gyration, His heavenly Father had touched him deeply. Using the symbolic world Ed had been exploring, God spoke to him. Ed knew his spiritual search had been answered. Jesus Christ was the living son of the heavenly Father. His quest had ended in a most surprising way by his Creator using the secret language of his own heart.

            When he returned to work the next day, he shared his discovery with a friend in language that he had never used before. He said he had ‘accepted Jesus.’ As he spoke those words, Ed was flooded with joy. He has carried that joy for the last 31 years.

            What about going “fishing?” Cold water can produce amazing warmth for the soul. Symbols in your own life might take on more meaning than you think for.  The IXTHUS could be swimming by your house. Actually, that happens all the time.

               Remember miracles never cease!

New Podcast: Here’s Life! Do you believe in angels?

WATCH THIS, TOO!

82 Days on Okinawa: One American’s Unforgettable Firsthand Account of the Pacific War’s Greatest Battle

Did you discover something miraculous during the past year? I’d be delighted to hear your story. Please write me. Please email me your story at: miracles@miraclesnevercease.com.

Remember to expect the unexpected! And let the miracles begin!

Readers of my MIRACLES NEVER CEASE blog will be fascinated by my latest book:

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

ORDER NOW!

ORDER NOW!

FROM OUT OF THE DISTANT PAST

Blog 406

November 9, 2025

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

Rev. Robert L. Wise, Ph.D. explores the world of divine interventions from an objective point of view. An Archbishop in the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches with a Ph.D. and the author of 36 books, Rev. Wise relates his interviews with persons who experienced the touch of God.

FROM OUT OF THE DISTANT PAST

We sometimes forget that the stories of the miraculous started well over 2,000 years ago. The accounts of God working with Abraham and Sarah are in the far off world of the Middle East. Moses saw the ever-burning bush there at least 1,500 years past. Well, it’s time to update.  Those surprises are still happening!

Take the story of Khalida for instance.

The Moslem woman had wandered the streets of Bethlehem as a child, but was orphaned when a missile hit her home. She was sold into slavery and lived in the Arab world with a Bedouin tribe. When Khalida was forced into an arranged marriage, the husband often beat her unconscious. She ran away and ended up in a second marriage with two children. Once more she was treated severely.

Homeless and penniless, a friend recognized her plight and offered Khalida a job. The woman shared the story of the love of God that can be found in Jesus of Nazareth. Khalida was fascinated and wanted to know the truth. She prayed and asked Jesus if he really was who her friend had promised.

Khalida suddenly had a vision and believed she was looking into heaven. A bearded man in a white robe stood before her and said, “Leave the darkness for the light.” In her Arabic language, the figure said, “I am the Truth, the Life, and the Way and no one comes to the Father except by me.” His voice was like rushing waters, powerful and soothing at the same time. Even though Khalida had not read the Bible, she knew those words were in there. Consumed by His presence, she dropped to her knees. Khalida cried out. “Lord! You are Lord!”

“Yes, I am Jesus, the One you denied. … I can save you and make you a happy person. You don’t have to do anything, just know that I love you.”

Khalida remembers, “His voice became a light, a huge light, an overwhelming light … I saw heaven right before my eyes.”

 Like Moses before the burning bush, the light of God had shined on this little woman.

That light is still shining in this world today. Take a second look. The illumination might be coming to your house if you asked. Don’t hesitate to reach out!           

               Remember miracles never cease!

New Podcast: Here’s Life! Do you believe in angels?

WATCH THIS, TOO!

82 Days on Okinawa: One American’s Unforgettable Firsthand Account of the Pacific War’s Greatest Battle

Did you discover something miraculous during the past year? I’d be delighted to hear your story. Please write me. Please email me your story at: miracles@miraclesnevercease.com.

Remember to expect the unexpected! And let the miracles begin!

Readers of my MIRACLES NEVER CEASE blog will be fascinated by my latest book:

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

ORDER NOW!

ORDER NOW!

ONE FOOT IN HEAVEN

Blog 395 (Repost 8/10/25)

November 2, 2025

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

Rev. Robert L. Wise, Ph.D. 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 the touch of God.

ONE FOOT IN HEAVEN

            Several decades ago, I met the first person I’ve known who had survived a near-death experience. I was amazed as I listened to the story. Since then, I’ve collected a file full of similar stories. All of them are touching and astounding. Eventually, I wrote the book Crossing the Threshold of Eternity with some of these accounts. Here’s an example of what I discovered.

            George and his wife lost their baby boy in a crib death. They had gone to a church function and left the child in the nursery. George heard a scream and knew it was his wife. The demise of the blond-haired baby boy nearly did them in. For six months, he agonized over his lost son. Then one night, George had a strange dream. A large robust young man stood at the foot of his bed. He had no idea who was there.

            “I am your son. You brought me into this world but I only stayed a short time. In eternity I matured into who I am today. We shall meet again.” With that, the figure disappeared.

            In a way that exceeded all expectations, George knew he wasn’t dreaming. He had received a picture of his grown son in heaven.

            This past weekend on the Google internet, Tina Hines told her story. In February 2018, Tina developed cardiac arrest and fell in her driveway. Her husband Brian and a neighbor performed CPR and revived her twice. Nevertheless, her condition worsened and she succumbed. Tina Hines was dead for 27 minutes. Paramedics tried to revive her several times and doctors used a defibrillator six times. Nothing worked.

            When Tina abruptly gained consciousness, she was unafraid and described her time during death as extraordinary. She immediately wanted a pencil and paper to record her experience. She wrote only two words.

            “It’s real!”

            Tina said she had seen Jesus standing with His arms outstretched. He was bathed in a golden glowing light. Tina said her experience left her feeling rested and filled with peace. She was released in several days, having made a full recovery.

            The point? As the resurrection stories tell us, death was defeated on the cross. We can trust Him who first overcame to be there ready to take us across.

            Remember: miracles never cease.

New Podcast: Here’s Life! Do you believe in angels?

WATCH THIS, TOO!

82 Days on Okinawa: One American’s Unforgettable Firsthand Account of the Pacific War’s Greatest Battle

Did you discover something miraculous during the past year? I’d be delighted to hear your story. Please write me. Please email me your story at: miracles@miraclesnevercease.com.

Remember to expect the unexpected! And let the miracles begin!

Readers of my MIRACLES NEVER CEASE blog will be fascinated by my latest book:

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

ORDER NOW!

ORDER NOW!

WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS

Blog 405

October 26, 2025

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

Rev. Robert L. Wise, Ph.D. explores the world of divine interventions from an objective point of view. An Archbishop in the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches with a Ph.D. and the author of 36 books, Rev. Wise relates his interviews with persons who experienced the touch of God.

WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS  

            Reading about overwhelming dangers touched by the hand of God is always exciting. The ‘Wow!’ stories fascinate us. The result is that we end up expecting the miraculous to be sensational. Of course, some are, but that’s only half of the story. The hand of God extends to even the smallest details of everyday life. The miraculous can touch the most common experiences. Learning to look for extensions of grace in the most normal situations can pay high dividends. Here’s a couple of examples.

            June Watts once worked for me as a Social Worker in our ministry to women in trouble. Her faith grew by leaps and bounds as she applied her prayer life to everyday needs. June told me that she began praying for (of all things) parking places in a crowded lot. Bingo! Just the right place always “happened” with predictability. Sound silly? Not when you can’t find a parking place on a hot day! Not to June when she needed help with a situation she couldn’t control.

            Here’s another experience.(That’s not so small)

            Steve and Roxann Hamiliton had to make an emergency trip through the Sierra Nevada mountains. The temperature had dropped to nearly zero as they passed Caples Lake on a now slick Highway 88. The freezing temperatures were turning the snow into ice. Steve knew the highway was becoming treacherous. Their winding road twisted around steep cliffs that were becoming more and more sheer. At many turns there were no guardrails. Their situation was quickly deteriorating. Abruptly, flashing lights appeared ahead of them. An emergency had occurred not far down the roads. Steve began tapping the brakes. No response. He tried again. The car didn’t slow.

            “I can’t stop!” Steve yelled to Roxann. “I’ve taken my foot off the gas pedal, but the brakes won’t hold in the ice.” Roxann began silently praying.

            Ahead a car ahead had spun off into a ditch. When they looked up, Steve and Roxann saw a large Tour bus sliding toward them. Even though, Steve was only going 20 miles per hour, they were headed for the cliff. Disaster ahead!

            Roxann cried out, “God, stop us!”

            The car instantly stopped. Not gradually but instantly. They had stopped at the exact edge of a cliff. The Tour bus went sailing by.

            The lesson? Never underestimate where the hand of God can and will move. The smallest problems can become the largest intervention. Our heavenly Father loves us regards of the size of our needs. Don’t hesitate to call out. He’s there.

               Remember miracles never cease!

New Podcast: Here’s Life! Do you believe in angels?

WATCH THIS, TOO!

82 Days on Okinawa: One American’s Unforgettable Firsthand Account of the Pacific War’s Greatest Battle

Did you discover something miraculous during the past year? I’d be delighted to hear your story. Please write me. Please email me your story at: miracles@miraclesnevercease.com.

Remember to expect the unexpected! And let the miracles begin!

Readers of my MIRACLES NEVER CEASE blog will be fascinated by my latest book:

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

ORDER NOW!

ORDER NOW!

UNEXPECTED RESULTS

Blog 404

October 13 , 2020

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

Rev. Robert L. Wise, Ph.D. explores the world of divine interventions from an objective point of view. An Archbishop in the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches with a Ph.D. and the author of 36 books, Rev. Wise relates his interviews with persons who experienced the touch of God.

UNEXPECTED RESULTS

Please meet Joseph Bias.

For twenty-five-years, he has been the minister of music at the First Methodist Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma. In his early years, Joseph discovered that he had an amazing voice with the quality necessary to perform in professional operatic performances. Joseph studied in New York City and performed at the Met as well as with the Robert Shaw Chorale. To put it mildly, Joseph Bias had a voice that was over the top! 

However, such performances did strain the entire body and put great pressure on the vocal cords. As Joseph continued to study voice, his teacher noticed that he was having some difficulty sustaining his breath that was necessary for the full range of sound and for the difficult passages in the music. At the time, Joseph was studying in Rochester, New York, and was referred to the Rochester Medical School for further evaluation. Joseph sometimes felt like he was suffocating. At the school, a decision was made to have exploratory surgery on his lungs. A problem did seem to exist. Consequently, the simple exploratory operation began.

The procedure was not simple.

By accident, one of Joseph’s vocal cords was completely severed. When he awoke, Joseph could neither talk or sing. He had become mute. The only way he could communicate was by writing on a piece of paper. His singing career was scattered. The doctors told him that the damage could never be repaired.

Confusion as well as despair settled over Joseph. His parents were notified and said they would be praying. There was nothing left to do, but for Joseph to go home and attempt to find another career.

While attending church occasionally, Joseph wasn’t heavily involved in his faith. Nevertheless, two women from that church came daily to stand at the end of the bed. Holding up their hands, they began to pray in a language Joseph didn’t understand. They continued without interruption for a considerable period of time. Finally, after several visits they became silent, lowered their hands and left. Only later did Joseph realize they were praying in what the Bible described as “tongues” or a heavenly language different from everyday speech.

At home now, Joseph had always begun the day by vocalizing, making a wide ranging of musical sounds to warm up his voice for the day. Since that was his habit, he brushed his teeth and started out as usual vocalizing. Abruptly, Joseph realized he was making the usual range of sounds. “What?” he said aloud and realized he could talk. Joseph called his parents immediately and told them what had happened. They were all overjoyed that his voice had returned. He called the doctor for an examination. How could this be possible?

The doctor finished looking down his throat and shook his head. “I have no medical explanation for what has happened. Just can’t be. As a matter of fact, such is impossible. Not only are your vocal cords healed and reconnected. There is no scar tissue.

Only then did Joseph fully grasp the meaning of two women praying for him in a heavenly language. Remember, miracles never cease.

New Podcast: Here’s Life! Do you believe in angels?

WATCH THIS, TOO!

82 Days on Okinawa: One American’s Unforgettable Firsthand Account of the Pacific War’s Greatest Battle

Did you discover something miraculous during the past year? I’d be delighted to hear your story. Please write me. Please email me your story at: miracles@miraclesnevercease.com.

Remember to expect the unexpected! And let the miracles begin!

Readers of my MIRACLES NEVER CEASE blog will be fascinated by my latest book:

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

ORDER NOW!

ORDER NOW!

OUR UNSEEN ADVOCATES

Blog 402

September 28, 2025

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

Rev. Robert L. Wise, Ph.D. explores the world of divine interventions from an objective point of view. An Archbishop in the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches with a Ph.D. and the author of 36 books, Rev. Wise relates his interviews with persons who experienced the touch of God.

OUR UNSEEN ADVOCATES

            While believing in angels, the general public seldom stops to ask what angels actually do. The issue is complicated. Angels are involved in our welfare, offering protection, intervention and direction. They can help with your life, particularly in difficult times. Here’s an example.

            The Reverend John G. Paton and his wife went as missionaries to the remote New Hebrides Islands in the South Pacific. Their task was particularly dangerous as the almost forgotten isles were inhabited by cannibals and half-savage warriors. Not only were the efforts of previous missionaries resisted, the natives attacked them, before cannibalizing these messengers of peace who came to help and inspire them.

            The Paton’s immediately faced the same opposition. One evening, they looked out the windows of their house only to discover that they were surrounded by hostile natives beating their war drums and preparing to attack. The Paton’s knew their lives were now measured in hours, not years. They fell on their knees and began to pray. Any minute, the natives would break in and kill them. The Paton’s would literally be “supper” that night.

            An hour went by and the attack did not come. The missionaries continued praying with every ounce of physical and spiritual strength they had. The assault didn’t occur so they prayed for another hour. The Paton’s spent the entire night with their faces on the floor, praying for deliverance.

            The next morning as the sun came up, they looked out their windows. The cannibals were gone. For the next two years, the Paton’s worked in peace and finally the natives surrendered to the call of God. The island was converted by a message of love and peace.

            In time, Rev. Paton became friends with the Chief of the former Cannibals. He finally got the opportunity to ask why the natives didn’t attack that night when they were praying.

“Didn’t you see them?” the Chief asked. “We stopped because of the soldiers. A hundred men in shining garments and armed with flashing swords surrounded your house! They said nothing but just stood there illuminating the dark night with their glowing white garments. The natives fled in terror, resolving to never bother the missionaries again.”

            Could those same angels be guarding your house right now, just unseen? Could they be protecting you today? You bet. And what brings such a dramatic display of defense? Fervent prayer calls forth your Guadian Angel. No matter how complex the problem or situation, the angels respond … even unseen.

               Remember miracles never cease!

New Podcast: Here’s Life! Do you believe in angels?

WATCH THIS, TOO!

82 Days on Okinawa: One American’s Unforgettable Firsthand Account of the Pacific War’s Greatest Battle

Did you discover something miraculous during the past year? I’d be delighted to hear your story. Please write me. Please email me your story at: miracles@miraclesnevercease.com.

Remember to expect the unexpected! And let the miracles begin!

Readers of my MIRACLES NEVER CEASE blog will be fascinated by my latest book:

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

ORDER NOW!

ORDER NOW!

THE HEART STOPPED BUT

Blog 401

September 21, 2025

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

Rev. Robert L. Wise, Ph.D. explores the world of divine interventions from an objective point of view. An Archbishop in the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches with a Ph.D. and the author of 36 books, Rev. Wise relates his interviews with persons who experienced the touch of God.

THE HEART STOPPED BUT

            You may be surprised to learn that 67% of the American population believe in miracles with only 15% don’t believe. In Lee Strobel’s The Case for Miracles, he notes that six out of ten physicians confirm that they pray for their patients before a procedure. In a time of severe political division and skepticism, such a significant number of believers is remarkable. And why is the number so high? Part of the reason is that more divine interventions occur than people realize. Often, they are discounted by people who will only accept scientific verification when the miracle cannot be explained.

            Here’s a couple of examples of what’s going on.

            Brad Wilkinson at eight years old, was diagnosed with two holes in his heart. An x-ray confirmed the seepage between the two ventricles. After anguished prayer and trusting Philippians 4:13, Brad’s father told the boy that God could heal him. Brad said he believed and everyone prayed. Surgery was scheduled to take four hours, but in one hour the doctor came out and announced there was nothing wrong with the boy’s heart. He held up the x-rays. The day before anyone could see the two holes. The next day the openings were gone. X-rays don’t lie. There could be no misdiagnosis!

            Here’s an even more amazing happening. Fifty-year-old mechanic Jeff Markin collapsed after a heart attack and was rushed to the emergency room at Palm Beach Gardens hospital in Florida. For forty minutes, the emergency room staff labored, giving him seven electrical shocks. Finally, they called in Yale-educated cardiologist Chauncey Crandall to examine the body. Markin’s  face, toes, and fingers were already turning black from lack of oxygen. The pupils of his eyes were dilated and fixed. At 8:05 p.m. Jeff Markin was declared dead.

            But Dr, Crandall prayed, “Father God, I cry out for the soul of this man. If he does not know you as his Lord and Savior, please raise him from the dead right now in Jesus’ name.”

            The nurse was already removing all tubing and preparing to take the body to the morgue, but Crandall requested one more shock. The nurse didn’t like the idea, but respected the doctor’s request. Markin was shocked again.

            The monitor instantly jumped! After twenty years as a cardiologist, the doctor had never seen anything like it. The blackness in the man’s body disappeared. Even with oxygen deprivation, Jeff Markin never displayed any signs of brain damage. He fully recovered.

That’s why so many people believe.

            And you? Why should you take these accounts so seriously? Because you can never know when you will need to intercede for some you care about. Could your prayers make a difference? Absolutely. By the way, Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Trust that promise and pray.

               Remember miracles never cease!

Remember miracles never cease!

WATCH THIS, TOO!

82 Days on Okinawa: One American’s Unforgettable Firsthand Account of the Pacific War’s Greatest Battle

Did you discover something miraculous during the past year? I’d be delighted to hear your story. Please write me. Please email me your story at: miracles@miraclesnevercease.com.

Remember to expect the unexpected! And let the miracles begin!

Readers of my MIRACLES NEVER CEASE blog will be fascinated by my latest book:

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

ORDER NOW!

ORDER NOW!

MIRACLE ON THE BATTLEFIELD

Blog 400

September 14, 2025

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

Rev. Robert L. Wise, Ph.D. explores the world of divine interventions from an objective point of view. An Archbishop in the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches with a Ph.D. and the author of 36 books, Rev. Wise relates his interviews with persons who experienced the touch of God.

MIRACLE ON THE BATTLEFIELD

            In these politically troubled times, it is helpful to remember that miracles are a reflection of the purposes and promises of God. All the promises of God are yes and “so-be-it.” They stand forever even if it takes a millennium to fulfill. Even with the current war and turmoil, the nation of Israel is an enduring example of that fact.

            In Israel’s 1967 Yom Kippur War, the Israelis were completely caught off-guard. The Syrian Army came pouring in from the Golan Heights and completely outnumbered the Israels. The battle proved to be ugly and bloody. The situation appeared to be fatal for Israel. If the enemy tanks prevailed, the Jews would be driven into the ocean. Only a handful of Israeli military tanks stood against a multitude of Syrian armor ready to wipe them out.

            David Yamean called on the armored tanks around him to withstand the onslaught. As commander of the Unit, he called for them to charge. Almost no one moved. They knew it would be suicide.  Nevertheless, Commander Yamean charged forward with only a few following him.  Remembering Auschwitz and the death camps, they would die before surrendering. The small unit of tanks prepared to fight to the finish. As the treads of the wheels rumbled forward, they prayed.

            For absolutely no military reason, the Syrian tanks stopped. After a pause, they turned and retreated. David Yamean and the few tanks around him halted, they opened their hatches and couldn’t believe their eyes. The obvious defeat had turned into a stunning victory.

            What happened?

            At 3:00 in the night Washington, D.C. time, Golda Meier called President Richard Nixon, work him up, and told him the Jewish people were about to be wiped out unless America responded.

            Years before Nixon’s mother had told Richard that the Jewish people had a special place in God’s plan for the world. He should always be mindful of them. He was.

            Nixon immediately called the Pentagon and told them to prepare to stand behind the Jewish people and to let Syria know they were coming. Consequently, the Syrian tanks were commanded to retreat. Would the Jews have been slaughtered without that withdrawal? No question about it.

            Does God keep His promises? The prophet Daniel predicted in 1,335 years the Jews would be blessed. Haggai added that the blessing would come on the 24th day of the 9th month of the year. When one adds up those numbers, they come out on December 9, 1917. On that day the Mayor of Jerusalem gave the keys of the city of Jerusalem to the British General that began the eventual  recovery of the city by the Jews.

            A miracle? Certainly. Just remember your personal story is of equal interest to your heavenly Father. Claim one of His promises and become part of the history of the miraculous. You are of equal importance to God

               Remember miracles never cease!

WATCH THIS, TOO!

82 Days on Okinawa: One American’s Unforgettable Firsthand Account of the Pacific War’s Greatest Battle

Did you discover something miraculous during the past year? I’d be delighted to hear your story. Please write me. Please email me your story at: miracles@miraclesnevercease.com.

Remember to expect the unexpected! And let the miracles begin!

Readers of my MIRACLES NEVER CEASE blog will be fascinated by my latest book:

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

ORDER NOW!

You’ll find another Robert L. Wise’s latest books to be inspiring, too. One of the most significant Christians of the 20th Century, Dietrich Bonhoeffer attempts to stop Adolph Hitler!

ORDER NOW!