Tag: Grace

A VOICE  IN THE DARK

Blog 414

January 4, 2026

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., Rev. Wise relates his interviews with persons who experienced the touch of God.

A VOICE  IN THE DARK

The confetti has been swept away. The final band marched in the New Year’s Day parade and the holidays are behind us. Our faces are turned toward another year that’s about to come barreling in. How shall we prepare ourselves?

I’m reminded of a great man who knew how to encounter the future. When I was in seminary, I met Dr. E. Stanley Jones and even had him pray with me.  While that is many decades ago, the memory stuck because of who he was.  A medical missionary, Dr. Jones had gone to India in a distant age when that country was struggling. His spiritual sensitivity touched multitudes who he taught to listen and hear God speak. E. Stanley Jones believed people could learn to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and that would change their lives.

Hear God? Really? Here’s how the fact served  him.

E. Stanley was in China when World War II broke out. He knew that if he didn’t get out of there immediately, he might be stuck in that far off country for the rest of the war. Catching the last tramp freighter that left China, he began sailing long and slowly from port to port winding his way back to India.

When the freighter pulled into an obscure dock in Thailand, Dr. Jones remained anxious to get out of that country as well. The war was exploding and he didn’t have time to waste. Standing on the bow of the ship, E. Stanley heard a voice say, “Get off this boat.”

“What?” he chocked.

“Get off the boat,” the inner voice repeated.

He was shocked. The rusty old tanker was his only hope and now the Lord was telling him to get off? Couldn’t believe it. However, he knew to be obedient. The medical doctor had all his goods hauled off the freighter and left on the pier. Dr. Jones watched the ship sail away thinking he was stranded for heaven knows how long..

The ship sailed a half mile into the ocean, was hit by a Japanese torpedo, sank to the bottom of the sea, taking every person on board with them.

When I heard Dr. Jones tell this story, a man held up his hand and asked. “Do you mean you were the only person on that boat that God wanted to save?

“No, sir,” Stanley Jones replied. “I was the only person listening.”

As this new year unfolds, I want to make sure that I am hearing. Placing your ear next to the heart of God will make all the difference in the days head. Our heavenly Father, speaks through many ways. Scripture is possibly the most immediate. Prayer and mediation open the doors. Whatever works best for you, why not make a decision right now to start every day listening.

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!

You can find I MARCHED WITH PATTON on Amazon.

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MAGIC OR MIRACLE?

Blog 412

December 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., Rev. Wise relates his interviews with persons who experienced the touch of God.

MAGIC OR MIRACLE?

            Hey! Christmas is just around the corner. And what are we celebrating?

            From what I’ve seen on television since the big Thanksgiving Day parade are about Santa Claus, Mrs. Santa Claus, elves, and flying reindeer. All the commercials proclaim the “magic” of Christmas. The opportunities are everywhere for everything from exotic perfume to unpronounceable names for antibodies that 90% of the population will never need.  But! Magic is here at Christmas time. That’s the word. Magic!

            “I’m a little confused because I visited the tomb of St. Nicolas (the original Santa Claus) when I was in Bari, Italy a number of years ago. Nicolas was a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity and miracles. His relics were brought to the Basilica di San Nicol that became a magnificent church. The key word? Miracles.

            Here’s an example that demonstrates the difference.

            Jack Traynor was injured in the war when sprayed with shrapnel. The assault left his right arm completely paralyzed with the muscles atrophying. In addition, his legs were partially paralyzed. The war left him incapacitated. Moreover, the operation to remove the shrapnel from his head left an inch-wide hole in his skull. His injuries were so serious that the British War Pension Ministry gave him a 100% pension for the rest of his life.

            Struggling with these serious problems, Jack Traynor saw no hope except for a trip to Lourdes, France to the shrine where Bernadette encountered the Virgin Mary that resulted in the grotto where people came to wade in the water and receive healing. The stories of marvelous recovery were repeated everywhere. Jack decided to exercise his faith and be released into the pool where so much had happened.  Was another miracle still possible? You know the result. Complete restoration followed and Jack Traynor left a whole person.

            Not only were his conditions mended, Jack went into the coal and hauling business that required moving 200-pound sacks of coal. Magic? No. A miracle.

            In the final days of this joyous season, let us focus on Bethlehem and remember that the Christ child is still making people whole. With the singing of church choirs and the glow of candles, we can still live in the promise.

            Just 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!

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A HOT-WATER BOTTLE AND HOPE

Blog 410

December 7, 2024

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., Rev. Wise relates his interviews with persons who experienced the touch of God.

A HOT-WATER BOTTLE AND HOPE

            I first met Dr. Helen Roseveare at a Inter-Varsity Conference in the dead of winter. It was cold outside, but she made you feel warm inside. Dr. Roseveare had been one of those marvelous dedicated missionaries from early in the last century who gave up the comforts surrounding them to reach out to countries like Uganda. During the day she was a medical doctor, but at night she worked in a brick factory to be personal and close to the natives. Tender hands needed for surgery were tested by the rough, abrasive surface of bricks. That’s a story unto itself.

            Out in the jungle, a native woman died during childbirth leaving behind a premature baby and a grieving two-year old daughter. Without electricity and no incubator as well as few supplies, the baby’s life was in grave danger.  The only hot water bottle in the makeshift hospital had burst when filled with hot water to use to warm the baby. They also needed food. Dr. Roseveare asked everyone to pray. The situation was desperate. One faith-filled little girl named Ruth prayed aloud for a hot water bottle.

“Please God send us a hot water bottle,” Ruth prayed in her childish way. “It will be not be any good by tomorrow. The baby will be dead so please send it by this afternoon.”

 The prayer did seem presumptuous to Rosevearae and she feared the girl had pushed her petitions too far, but the situation was desperate so she let it go. Dr. Roseveare knew God could do anything up to a point, but wasn’t the girl’s prayer beyond the limits? The prayer made her nervous.

            Doing the best they could, the small native staff went back to work. A couple of hours later a car dropped off a twenty-two-pound parcel sent from the doctor’s homeland. She had never received one such package in the four years she lived in Africa. Everyone gathered around this unexpected gift from Ireland. The orphans began opening the box and sorting through the large bundle. Bandages were found for the lepers and even some badly needed food.

Food for them! Little Ruth dug to the bottom of the box and found it! A new hot-water bottle to keep the baby warm! And more! A beautifully dressed doll was waiting for her.

            Dr. Roseveare said. “I cried. I had not asked God to send the bottle.  I had not believed that He could.” The child did.

            But there’s more.

            The parcel had been packed five months earlier by Roseveare’s former Sunday School class. The leader had felt prompted to include a hot water bottle (for hot Africa?) and a girl contributed the doll.  This package was the only one ever to arrive and it was prayed for by the faith of a child.

            God’s miracles are never too late and always on time. What’s needed to experience miracles today? Could it be the simple faith of a child? Trust.

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!

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WHEN DOUBT FADES

Blog 409

November 30, 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., Rev. Wise relates his interviews with persons who experienced the touch of God.

 WHEN DOUBT FADES

            Doubt is still around. I often run into people who think of faith as a form of neurosis and a way to avoid reality. The pressure of a disintegrating society with threats of war on the horizon send many people into a tailspin. Others just turn the television and don’t listen to the news anymore. Al Watkins (names changed for anonymity sake) can respond to those doubts.

            Al’s eight-year-old son Jack was diagnosed with two holes in his heart. This condition also brought pressure on little Jack’s lungs. Surgery had to be done immediately.  As the day for the surgery approached, Jack began giving his toys and keepsakes away. He did not believe he would survive. Finally, Jack asked his father, “Am I going to die?”

            Taken back, his father assured him that people survive open heart surgery but some don’t.

            Jack asked, “Can Jesus heal me?”

            “A few days later after anguished prayer and reading Philippians 4:13 (I can do all things through him who strengthens me). Al told his son that whether he recovered or not, he would have the gift of eternal life. A visiting pastor came into the room and asked Jack if he believed Jesus could heal him. Jack said that he did. They prayed together.

            The next morning Jack was wheeled into the operating room for a four-hour surgery. However, after the first hour, the doctor came out. He showed Al two sets of x-rays. The first film clearly showed the two-holes. Then, he held up the second picture. No holes.

            The doctor shook his head in amazement. “You can count on this as a miracle,” he concluded.

            The hospital’s risk manager reviewed the situation. “You can see from the films this was not a misdiagnosis. Somebody somewhere must have been praying.” When their insurance agent called after reviewing the submitted claim, he asked, “What is a spontaneous closure.”

            Al replied, “a miracle.”

            In a time when doubt is certainly out there, you have an alternative. The answers don’t often come as dramatically as they did for Jack, but they come. Your prayers and trust in divine Providence are the best hope anyone anywhere could have.  Hang on. There’s always more to come.

            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!

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

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!

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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!

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

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!

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

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!

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