Tag: Grace

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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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WHAT HAPPENES WHEN YOU DIE – PART III

Blog 399

September 7, 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.

WHAT HAPPENES WHEN YOU DIE

PART III

The idea that we can know something of what happens after we die would grab anyone’s imagination. Everyone wants an answer to that question. In our last two communiques, we’ve been exposing answers from people who were “there” and returned.  I have talked with people who had that experience and listened to what they discovered. Their answers amazed me and gave new insight. Here are two more encounters that will inspire you.

Laurie Smith (name changed for anonymity sake) had been rafting when she was swept into the rapids. The current pulled her under where she was trapped and couldn’t get back to the surface. As water started filling her lungs, Laurie knew she was dying. Everything went black and then suddenly became white as she was hurled down a long tunnel. At the end, Laurie could see a room made of white clouds and yet it seemed in some unexplained way to be solid although it wasn’t. Three beings made of shimmering crystal stood there with light shining through them. These  creatures spoke to Laurie but frightened her. At that moment, they changed into angels and pure light of many shades of color shone through them. As Laurie watched, she saw light shine through them in brilliant designs. The angels began communicating with her telepathically. Angelic beings took her to a beautiful field with magnificent music. Awesome peacefulness settled in.

And then another Kayaker rescued her from a watery grave. She had been to the beyond and came back.

While the chief engineer on an underwater rescue team, Dave Bennet was swept into the ocean. He knew what happened with oxygen deprivation and realised he was dying, but as the blackness settled in, he drifted into an experience like nothing he had known before. An omnipresent being fell in with him as the black began to turn into light. Dave drifted toward the brightness. He could feel waves upon waves of love surrounding him and surrounding him with a warm embrace. He said, “It was the most amazing feeling I ever had, and it felt as if this love was actually permeating my being, and transforming me into a being of light.”

As Dave Bennet traveled toward the light, he met his family, not like the one on earth, but a ‘soul family.’ They took him back through his life, but with different points of view. Finally, he was sent him back to life with renewed purpose. He came back to the surface of the ocean after being fully submerged for 18 minutes.

These experiences are further confirmation of Jesus promise, “I have come that you might have life, and life more abundantly. (John 11:25). You don’t have to live with a fear of death. Rather than a negation of life, death is the door we enter on our way to abundance. Jeus has prepared everything for us.

            Just remember that miracle never ceases.

Watch my latest YouTube video! More miracles await you!

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!

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