DID YOU HEAR THE SOUND?

Blog 212

September 6, 2021

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 the touch of God.

DID YOU HEAR THE SOUND?

Did you hear the hoof beats? The sound of the horseman riding?

The Book of Revelation warns the Horsemen of the Apocalypse will ride again and an again through the centuries until the end of time. With the West coast in flames and the East coast under water, we have Louisiana sinking in the mud, not to mention a Covid epidemic again sweeping across the nation among the unvaccinated.  Oh, yes, don’t forget the US forces just left Afghanistan, leaving the Taliban in control like the were 20 years ago while over 200 Americans were left behind, (After we were promised the troops would not leave until all Americans were out)  not to mention thousands of Afghans running for their lives. All of this happening while the politicians scream at each other like children or morons. And don’t forget we have 60,000 homeless people living on the streets of Los Angeles.

Get the picture?

There is something we can do. A year ago, I published a call from Bishop Russ McClanahan calling all Americans to prayer. I am repeating his experience in hopes you will pray daily for this country. I believe we have been called to do so. Here’s what Bishop Russ experienced almost exactly a year ago.

“On Tuesday August 25, 2020 at approximately 4:30 PM I laid down on my bed and began to pray.  As I quieted my mind and began to focus on God, I was transported into a dimension that seemed to be outside of time and space. While my eyes were closed, I could see the face of Jesus before me in the distance.  Gradually His face drew closer and closer until suddenly I became aware of His body on the cross.  Within moments, I felt as if I were being drawn in toward Him until I was one with Him upon the cross.   I felt the pain and the pressure of the nails that had been driven through His hands and the blood that bubbled out of the wounds.”

The voice of God said, “The cup of My wrath is almost full.  Unless your nation repents and turns back to Me, the horsemen who now stand at the gate will be loosed. Tell my people to return to My principles, to repent of having ignored and broken My laws. Tell them to remember the examples I have given them of My love and discipline.  Tell them to remember how I  warned, and continued to warn Israel in generations past that unless they repented, they would bring judgment upon themselves.”

“A revelation of God’s great love and compassion for His people and for all mankind swept over me. Biblical scenes and scenes from the world’s past and present history flashed before me like a fast-forwarded movie depicting how God had repeatedly exerted discipline in an overarching effort to influence people to return to Him.  In that moment, time seemed to leave me. I felt an overwhelming mix of emotions which is almost impossible to describe. Mingled with God’s breathtaking love for His people was His anger toward people who have defiantly rejected His love and willfully disobeyed His laws. Time seemed to stand still as I entered in some unspeakable way into the grief and longing of God. “  

“In that moment, it was as if I were on the cross with Christ. My hands pulsated with the physical pain of the crucifixion. I was overwhelmed with the ugliness of sin and the horrific consequences of failing to respond to God’s discipline and heed His instructions on how to live life. At the same time, I was overcome with God’s love and His longing for His people to return to Him in spite of the grief we have caused Him.  

Then I was told to warn people of the coming destruction if we do not return in sorrow and humility to the ways of God. Again, in a moment, I witnessed the horror of the consequences of breaking God’s laws and forfeiting the life of joy and purpose that is intended for us.  Scenes of brokenness, loneliness, destruction and every kind of evil flashed before me with incredible speed, along with the bitter emotions of those who must tragically reap the consequences of a life of disobedience. At the same time, I was mysteriously united with the heart of God and entered into His pain and longing.  There were no words between us, simply emotion that is beyond words.  Time stood still.  Then suddenly I was lying back across my bed.  I had no idea how long I had been there.

I share this with the hope that we will heed the Lord’s call to “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 

Will you join me in praying for our nation and world?  

Bishop Russ’s plea is for each one of us personally. Could you join us in praying daily for the USA government, its leaders, and the future? His experience called for repentance. Could you do the same?  Could you?

Also, I’d love to hear your story if you’ve experienced a divine intervention.

Send it to me at Wise on Miracles@gmail.com.

Please watch and subscribe to my new YouTube channel MIRACLES NEVER CEASE, where I post interviews with people sharing their experiences with divine encounters!

Let the miracles begin!

BREAKING THE BOND

Blog 211

August 30, 2021

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 the touch of God.

BREAKING THE BOND

Few problems are more difficult to live with than chronic alcoholism. Through the years I have worked with a number of people who struggled to survive uncontrolled drinking that left them broken and degraded. Consequently, I am always aware of people who have struggled with this condition.

Recently I was in a meeting with Tom and Tina Savage, two friends. As Tom Savage prayed, he made intercession for a person with this problem. (We’ll call her Alice for privacy’s sake.)  I knew of  Tom and Tina’s commitment to the highest and the best. My ears perked up and I wanted to know more about Alice’s problem.

Tom’s brother’s sister-in-law that had become a concern because of her obvious excessive drinking. Alice had a long-term boyfriend who finally left her because of her lack of sobriety.  The family had started keeping the children away because of Alice’s destructive influence on them. While everyone worried, there didn’t appear to be anything they could do to correct Alice’s problem.

She began turning in at around 7:00 in the evening. Alice would complain she needed more sleep and firmly shut her bedroom door. Everyone knew she was actually going to drink herself into a drunken stupor. The pattern repeated evening after evening.

On this particular night, the door didn’t shut and was open a crack. Tom’s brother noticed the opening and peeked in. Alice was crawling across the floor on her hands and knees, looking for a bottle. She turned her head and stared at him. Shocked, he staggered backward. The knurled, twisted look on her face was like a monster. Never had he seen such a possessed look. Alice had the countenance of pure evil.

Her problem was more than drinking compulsively. Something dark and evil had taken over her life.  When Alice was taken to the hospital, the doctor gave her two choices: stop drinking or die.

Tom and the family began praying for this bond of evil to be broken. They petitioned for a miracle to save her life. They kept interceding for the power of God to defeat Evil. Somewhere in their prayers, the bond broke. Evil was defeated.   

In the middle of the night, Alice was set free. Since that night she has been completely sober.

People may debate the power of prayer, but Tom and Tina can tell them their prayers brought a life saving change. They witnessed the chains of a diabolical defeat break and a relative set free. That was a miracle.

Also, I’d love to hear your story if you’ve experienced a divine intervention.

Send it to me at Wise on Miracles@gmail.com.

Please watch and subscribe to my new YouTube channel MIRACLES NEVER CEASE, where I post interviews with people sharing their experiences with divine encounters!

Let the miracles begin!

ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER!

Blog 210

August 23, 2021

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 the touch of God.

ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER!

Recently Rosemarie Hollandsworth and I corresponded about an important experience that followed when her leg had been painfully injured. She and a girlfriend attended a Roman Catholic Church in Boston where a healing service was held. Rosemarie could barely drag her leg up to the Communion rail. A layman standing on the other side appeared to have a spiritual gift and was being used by the Holy Spirit. Laying on hands, he prayed for Rosemarie’s leg. To her surprise, she was able to walk normally back to the pew with the pain gone. She never again had trouble with that leg.

But there’s more to her story.

Not long afterward, Rosemarie began to envision things that she had never seen before. Visions started to occur. She didn’t know what to think. One of these experiences has been called “The Dancing Sun” phenomenon. While she had never heard of such, this experience had also happened elsewhere where crowds of people witnessed strange movements in the sky.

Newspapers have published testimony from witnesses who said that they saw extraordinary solar activity, such as the sun appearing to “dance” or zig-zag in the sky, and careen toward the earth, or emit multicolored light and radiant colors. According to these reports, some events lasted for even ten minutes.

An Archbishop in the Roman Catholic Church, one of my close friends shared with me his experience of seeing a similar wonder while visiting Medjugorje, Bosnia where three children had an extraordinary spiritual encounter. He had been staying in the home of one of these children who experienced the apparition. The sun seemed to whirl around in the sky, leaving him amazed.

Rosemarie saw the same wonder. What was going on?

A door was opened through Rosemarie’s healing that led her into the transcendent  realm of direct spiritual encounters. From the healing of her leg has come other marvels. Rosemarie has always been a kind person who enjoyed helping others. Now she experiences visions that she is learning to decipher. Of course, such visionary events can be hard to understand and it takes time to grasp what they mean, but Rosemarie is walking down a new and important path.

What shall we say? One miraculous event can open the door to an entirely new perception of ultimate reality. Often people are bewildered. Some worry that they will be misunderstood or someone will think them crazy. I’ve found most people to be shy and reluctant to talk about the unusual.  That’s normal but inhibiting. Don’t be hesitant to explore this new dimension.  If such a special encounter happens to you, don’t be afraid, but keep reaching out for the next step.

Remember: one thing leads to another.

Also, I’d love to hear your story if you’ve experienced a divine intervention.

Send it to me at Wise on Miracles@gmail.com.

Please watch and subscribe to my new YouTube channel MIRACLES NEVER CEASE, where I post interviews with people sharing their experiences with divine encounters!

Let the miracles begin!

ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER!

Blog 210

August  16,  2021

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 the touch of God.

ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER!

Recently Rosemarie Hollandsworth and I corresponded about an important experience that followed when her leg had been painfully injured. She and a girlfriend attended a Roman Catholic Church in Boston where a healing service was held. Rosemarie could barely drag her leg up to the Communion rail. A layman standing on the other side appeared to have a spiritual gift and was being used by the Holy Spirit. Laying on hands, he prayed for Rosemarie’s leg. To her surprise, she was able to walk normally back to the pew with the pain gone. She never again had trouble with that leg.

But there’s more to her story.

Not long afterward, Rosemarie began to envision things that she had never seen before. Visions started to occur. She didn’t know what to think. One of these experiences has been called “The Dancing Sun” phenomenon. While she had never heard of such, this experience had also happened elsewhere where crowds of people witnessed strange movements in the sky.

Newspapers have published testimony from witnesses who said that they saw extraordinary solar activity, such as the sunappearing to “dance or zig-zag in the sky, and careen toward the earth, or emit multicolored light and radiant colors. According to these reports, some events lasted for even ten minutes.

An Archbishop in the Roman Catholic Church, one of my close friends shared with me his experience of seeing a similar wonder while visiting Medjugorje, Bosnia where three children had an extraordinary spiritual encounter. He had been staying in the home of one of these children who experienced the apparition. The sun seemed to whirl around in the sky, leaving him amazed.

Rosemarie saw the same wonder. What was going on?

A door was opened through Rosemarie’s healing that led her into the transcendent realm of direct spiritual encounters. From the healing of her leg has come other marvels. Rosemarie has always been a kind person who enjoyed helping others. Now she experiences visions that she is learning to decipher. Of course, such visionary events can be hard to understand and it takes time to grasp what they mean, but Rosemarie is walking down a new and important path.

What shall we say? One miraculous event can open the door to an entirely new perception of ultimate reality. Often people are bewildered. Some worry that they will be misunderstood or someone will think them crazy. I’ve found most people to be shy and reluctant to talk about the unusual.  That’s normal but inhibiting. Don’t be hesitant to explore this new dimension.  If such a special encounter happens to you, don’t be afraid, but keep reaching out for the next step.

Remember: one thing leads to another.

THE TOUCH THAT HEALS

Blog 209

August  9, 2021

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 the touch of God.

THE TOUCH THAT HEALS

Recently, I was running through some of my files where I kept stories of physical and emotional healings, reviewing accounts of divine interventions that have occurred through the centuries. In the earliest centuries in Ireland, St. Patrick defeated the Druids through sheer spiritual power encounters.  St. Vincent Ferrer a hundred years later was estimated to have been part of over 3,000 miracles, 873 documented by the church. The English believe the sovereigns had the power to heal. Queen Elizabeth l had healing services several times a year. The accounts go on and on. As I was reading, I was reminded of such a healing experience I witnessed with the modern world’s Kathryn Kuhlman. Like the healers before her, Kathryn had become known across the United States as an extraordinarily gifted and empowered healer. 

I had known Kathryn for some time when  she invited a group of Methodist ministers to come to a morning seminar at the First Methodist Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma. I came early to observe what she would do. In walked five clergy who looked like they had come to the Ok Corral for a shootout. Rev. Mac Waters (a pseudonym for privacy’s sake) had always been an iconoclastic sort of guy who liked to embarrass people. He was a hardnosed who didn’t believe in supernatural possibilities.  I knew trouble was on the way.

Kathryn came in the chancel’s side door. She began by answering some questions about a mission’s project she supported in Asia. Then, she abruptly announced that she had really come simply to pray for the pastors. Kathryn asked anyone who wished to have her intercessions to come forward. Mac Waters leaped out of the pew and came running down the aisle like he was going to attack Kathryn. She stood there confidently watching him charging toward her. Just as he slowed at the Communion rail, she reached out and slapped both of her hands on his ears. For a minute or so, Mac stood immobile and then dropped to the floor as if he’d been hit by a lightening bolt. I looked back at his four buddies. They were going out the backdoor of the church.

Twenty minutes later, Mac sat up and started speaking in tongues. In the following weeks, his theology completely changed and he became a different man. People who had previously known him were astonished. A miracle had occurred.

Mac’s experience with Kathryn reminded me that the hand of God is often extended through human hands. When such occurs, miracles follow. As I returned home that day, I knew I had seen one of those historic events that St. Patrick, St. Vincent Ferrer, and Queen Elizabeth l would have approved. Don’t be afraid to believe.          

Remember: Expect a miracle.

Also, I’d love to hear your story if you’ve experienced a divine intervention.

Send it to me at Wise on Miracles@gmail.com.

Please watch and subscribe to my new YouTube channel MIRACLES NEVER CEASE, where I post interviews with people sharing their experiences with divine encounters!

Let the miracles begin!

A DOUBLE DOSE OF LOVE  

Blog 208

August  2, 2021

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 the touch of God.

A DOUBLE DOSE OF LOVE  

Sherre Ishmael had been deeply wounded by someone she loved. The pain had cut to her soul. Consequently, she came to a Service of the Healing Christ carrying that burden. This particular type of worship offered the reconciling work of the Holy Spirit and people came for many different needs. On this particular night, Sherre was struggling to restore the vessel of love that had been broken inside her.

To compound her problem, Sherre had always been a pragmatic person who approached situations in a logical manner. At times, she had felt the need to develop a greater ability to love people but let it pass. On this particular evening, she came forward wanting to experience the love of Christ in a new depth, hoping to be enabled to share His love with others.

A team of three intercessors were waiting as Sherre knelt in front of them. They laid hands on her and began to pray for a new gift of love to be given. The experience became electrifying.  Sherre began to realize that Jesus the Christ was pouring his love into her. Far from a sentimental emotion, she was discovering a practical, sacrificial kind of caring.  A desire to help others bubbled up inside her.

As that realization grew, in a new way, Sherre accepted the fact that Jesus Christ really did love her personally in a way she had failed to recognize. She discovered that he was calling her to a wholeness. Sherre realized she didn’t need to be perfect or exceptional, just available and obedient to what the Holy Spirit was calling her to do for others. Sherre knew God would be continuing to work in her life and He did!

Shortly, after this prayer experience, Sherre discovered that her arthritis had disappeared. A spin-off of more love in her life was a physical change that was also liberating.

Many times, we don’t think about the love of God being poured into our lives. We live in a highly competive world where the prime objective is to exceed others. From childhood, many of us have received injuries that keep us from caring about other or wanting to be helpful to others. The idea to suddenly be empowered with a greater depth of caring has never crossed our mind. Possibly it’s time to reconsider what our most basic need really is.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Eagerly desire the greater gifts. I will show you the most excellent way….these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. (I Corinthians 12:31- 13:13) The love Paul was describing is a gift that only God gives. Could you seek a greater healing than to receive this gift?”

Don’t be hesitant to reach out.

Remember: Expect the Unexpected.

Also, I’d love to hear your story if you’ve experienced a divine intervention.

Send it to me at Wise on Miracles@gmail.com.

Please watch and subscribe to my new YouTube channel MIRACLES NEVER CEASE, where I post interviews with people sharing their experiences with divine encounters!

Let the miracles begin!

THE POWER OF THE SACRAMENTS

Blog 207

July 25, 2021

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 the touch of God.

HERE’S A SUMMER RE-RUN THAT ‘S ONE OF MY FAVORITES. ENJOY!

THE POWER OF THE SACRAMENTS

You would find Nina Paul to be a fascinating person. She is a priest with the Open Catholic Church which is highly sacramental, but has no connection with the Roman Catholic Church. Nina Paul is part of the Independent Sacramental Movement and responsible for the St. Theresa Open Seminary. For some time, she has also worked as a hospice chaplain.

A hospice in Oxnard, California called Chaplain Paul to come and minister to a dying man. Pee Wee was in the last hours of his life. He could barely talk and wasn’t expected to live for more than a short time. Pee Wee had been turned out at nine years of age and grew up on the streets as a homeless person. All contact with his original family was lost and disappeared 40 years earlier. As best anyone could tell, Pee Wee had no religious training or any sort of a spiritual background or interest.

When Chaplain Paul arrived, she discovered that it was very difficult to understand the man as he could barely speak. She asked Pee Wee what she could do for him.

“I want to be baptized,” he barely uttered.

The Chaplain wasn’t sure she heard right and ask him three times to make sure she had correctly understood his desire. Each time he mumbled “yes” and nodded his head. As any good priest would do, Nina Paul began the baptismal ceremony using the liturgy of the church and the proper sacramental preparations. After she finished that ceremony, she led Pee Wee in the prayers of Confirmation which ended with, “Strengthen, O Lord, your servant Pee Wee with your Holy Spirit; empower him for your service and sustain him all the days of his life. Amen.”

Pee Wee fell back on the pillow and Nina left. Two hours later, she was at home when the nurse called.

“What in the hell did you do to Pee Wee?” she barked. “Get down here at once!”

Nina couldn’t figure out what she had done wrong, but was terrified. What had occurred?

When she got to the hospice center, she found Pee Wee sitting outside in a wheelchair, smoking a cigarette, and talking to one of the patients.

“Two hours ago, he was nearly dead and now he’s completely restored!” the nurse said breathlessly. “Look out there! What did you do?”

Nina Paul hadn’t expected such a dramatic result, but the only explanation was that the Sacrament of Baptism and Confirmation had brought new life to Pee Wee. Nina was overwhelmed.

During the next two-weeks, Pee Wee was able to restore his broken relationship with his family. He found his mother and a sister he had lost. The long-forgotten family gathered around him and he died peacefully.

Pee Wee had gone from his deathbed to a wheel chair almost instantly. Where did the miracle come from? Nina Paul says, “It was the power of the sacraments that produced the healing.”

The mission of the Church has always been to bring people into a relationship with the heavenly Father that imparts empowerment. There’s no better place to develop that encounter than a local church.  Regardless of what it’s called, find a church that radiates warmth, vitality, and life. Reach out. The hand of God is already extended.

Also, I’d love to hear your story if you’ve experienced a divine intervention.

Send it to me at Wise on Miracles@gmail.com.

Please watch and subscribe to my new YouTube channel MIRACLES NEVER CEASE, where I post interviews with people sharing their experiences with divine encounters!

Let the miracles begin!

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Blog 206

July 18, 2021

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

Robert Wise explores the world of divine interventions from an objective point of view. Can 21st century people believe the hand of God still touches people today? Read and you’ll find new insights.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Recently a friend said,  “You know. you’ve had a tough life. You’ve been in the same ditch where most people live. Robert, you were adopted as a child. Then, you went through an unwanted divorce that recked the church you served. Your oldest son was killed in a car wreck. How did you make it through such an ordeal?”

“Divine interventions,” I answered. “That’s how I got interested in exploring how miracles happen.” My friend wanted to know more so I shared my first miraculous experience.

Years ago, I developed a fever that gradually worsened and finally ended in a diagnosis of acute nephritis, a most serious kidney disease. Nothing slowed the progress of the illness. I ended up sleeping around 20 hours a day, struggling to read, and my kidneys were shrinking. I was looking a dialysis at best; death at worst. Nothing helped.

Finally, I was sent to a Roman Catholic hospital for extensive tests and x-rays. The dye shot through my veins, and felt like fire was engulfing my body. Attempting to find relief, I noticed a crucifix on the wall and wondered if I could mentally project or transfer my suffering to that object. To my surprise, the figure of a crucified Christ seemed to absorb some of my pain. I was surprised.

The hospital tests only confirmed the worst. A few days later, a medical book was placed  on the night stand. The article basically said I wasn’t going to get well. I was far too young to die, but there was nothing I could do to stop the inevitable. At that moment, I remembered the crucifix in the hospital. Stretching out in the bed in a cruciform position, I cried out for God’s help. I needed a divine intervention. I have no idea how to explain what followed.

With my eyes closed, I seemed to float upward through the darkness until I was on the Cross with Jesus. Then, I was  mystically “in Christ, “ experiencing his struggle on the Cross – and then he was in me. We seemed to be suspended together on the Cross.

A passage of scripture described the experience best. “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who love me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Light began to fill the room so brightly that I didn’t want to open my eyes. As the warmth swept over my body, the light began to penetrate my skin. The light kept g traveling through my entire body. I laid there lost in an ecstasy of warmth. Eventually, I drifted off into a night of wonderful sleep.

To my surprise, I awoke around 10:00 the next morning. Usually, I slept until the afternoon. I picked up a book and could read it. I even felt slightly hungry. Abruptly, the phone rang. The doctor’s office was calling for a urine sample. They apologized for waking me, but said a courier was on the way over to pick it. Forty-five minutes later, the nurse called back. Something hadn’t gone right and they wanted to repeat the process. Fine. I went back to reading. An hour had passed when the phone rang a third time. It was my doctor.

“Look, Robert,” he began, “we both know you’ve not been a good patient. I told you to go to bed long before you did and look where it took you. Are you joking around with us?”

“What are you talking about?” I said.

“What have you been sending over here? Tea?”

“I don’t understand.”

“Look, these tests are normal. It can’t be!”

But it was. I just got well. The fact that my spiritual experience had in 12 hours restored my body seemed unimaginable. Nevertheless, I not only got well, but I still have my kidneys. That’s also medically impossible because once kidneys start to shrink, the process is irreversible. I still have mine. I had cried out for help in the night and got a miracle in the morning.

That’s how my search to understand miracles began and these weekly blogs eventually followed. The search has proved to be one of the most important journeys of my life. By the way, he same discovery is possible for you.

Also, I’d love to hear your story if you’ve experienced a divine intervention.

Send it to me at Wise on Miracles@gmail.com.

Please watch and subscribe to my new YouTube channel MIRACLES NEVER CEASE, where I post interviews with people sharing their experiences with divine encounters!

Let the miracles begin!