What Are The Odds Of That: Answers To Prayer by Bob Jones

What have I experienced through prayer in my life and writing? Just about everything. Much of what I learned about the principles of prayer came to me from walking with and writing about the life of a young woman named Kristen.

 

As a 28-year old, Kristen was diagnosed with inoperable cancer and given 24 months to live. She was a mom to three boys under five and married to a firefighter. We prayed for her to be healed. In fact many in the congregation I was a pastor to, fasted breakfast and prayed every day for two years. 

 

One Friday afternoon Kristen had a doctor’s appointment. Going to visit an oncology doctor isn't one of most people's favorite things to do on a Friday afternoon. She was dropped off early for her appointment and needed something to help pass the time.

 

Kristen happened into a nearby drugstore store while she waited.

 

She happened to see a kiosk with books.

 

A book on the lowest rack happened to catch her attention. It was a single copy of the book, “Divine Alignment.”

 

“What a coincidence," she thought. "My friend just told me about that book!”

 

A coincidence led her to a book about coincidences.

 

Kristen called me to tell what had just happened and suggested that I should read the book.

 

I owe her. As a result of Kristen’s experience and reading the book I added the term, "GodWink" into my vocabulary and worldview of prayer.

 

GodWinks are experiences that people would call a coincidence, an answered prayer, or simply an encounter where you'd say, "What are the odds of that!"

 

4 Things I Learned About Prayer, GodWinks, and Life

 

1. A "GodWink" is a message of reassurance from God directly to you, usually related to something you have prayed about.

 

Through all of Kristen’s pain, setbacks, and disappointments, she was not perplexed. She had multiple reassurances of God's faithfulness through "GodWinks."

 

In June 2013 she texted me about one of those GodWinks. She was being transported by an ambulance attendant to Edmonton’s Cross Cancer Hospital for a chemo treatment. The attendant’s name was Ken and he had a story to tell Kristen.

 

Ken, the EMS worker, happened to attend North Pointe, Kristen's church. Ken and his wife Rebecca actually chose North Pointe as their church because of Kristen. 

 

They were new to the area and looking for a church. On their first visit they happened to hear Kristen share her story of faith. They were impressed. They wanted to be a part of a church that was attended by people like Kristen.

 

Ken's story touched Kristen deeply that day. It was like God had allowed her to see her influence. What are the odds?

 

2. GodWinks are not replacements for miracles.

 

People in crisis want a miracle not a wink.

 

Kristen wanted a miracle. She wanted to be healed so she would live and God would be glorified. She also wanted others to know that if things did not work out for her as she hoped, she would trust God until the end - because the end would be her new eternal beginning.

 

Eternity is heaven was the greatest miracle in her estimation.

 

3. In times of UNCERTAINTY what we need more than anything else is CERTAINTY.

 

We crave certainty when we get a dire medical report. We long for certainty in our relationships. We crave the certainty that we'll have enough in the checking account to make it through the month.

 

GodWinks shore up certainty.

 

GodWinks are intentional reminders that God cares; that He is at work, daily directing and providing for your life.

 

My favorite chapter in "Ornament" – a book I wrote about Kristen - is the one about GodWinks.

 

4. GodWinks are the fingerprints of God on the circumstances of your life.

 

Look back on your life. You will find God's fingerprints on the details - dates, numbers, timing, names, places, words.

 

God's fingerprints are assurances that He is in control in a seemingly out-of-control world.

 

Are you praying about something? No answers yet? Watch for a GodWink today. God wants to bring you assurance of his ever faithful presence and unfailing provision.

 

God's got His eye on you.

 

 I write to grow hope, inspire people to be real, forge an authentic faith in Jesus, and discover their life purpose.

Please follow my writing at REVwords.com

I would love to hear from you.

The Hands of Jesus by Carol Harrison

We planned to have an Easter program during our Family Night at church and invite many guests to attend, but the virus cancelled our event. Long before we knew of the spread of COVID-19 and all the restrictions our lives would now include, I wrote some monologues about people who experienced the touch of Jesus during his earthly ministry. Our plans changed but the message remains unchanged. Jesus ministry, death, and resurrection offer His touch throughout history including during this time of isolation, sheltering-at-home, and social distancing.

During Jesus' ministry on earth he interacted with individuals and crowds. He taught and did miracles. There are instances recorded in the Bible of how his handsphysically touched people.

 In Matthew 8:1-4 Jesus touched a man with leprosy, the untouchable, the outcast, and healed him. Once he received the healing touch from the hands of Jesus, he could rejoin his community, his family, his church without the social distancing, and give up the isolation he had needed to endure.

In John 9 Jesus healed a man who had been blind from birth. No one paid a lot of attention to him while he was blind and begging at the side of the road. He had no social status, no job, nothing to call his own, and remained at the fringes of society. Yet Jesus chose to spit on the ground and make mud that he placed on the blind man's eyes. The blind man received the attention of the rulers and the crowds after he washed at the pool of Siloam and received sight. But Jesus noticed and touched him while he still remained isolated. The man did not know who Jesus was but he confirmed to others in John 9:25 "One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!"

Jesus had compassion on the crowds and loved the children. In John 6:1-4 we read about the little boy who gave his lunch to Jesus. I can imagine him thinking something like this, I'm just a kid, a hungry boy with a lunch of five loaves and two little fish. I'm here listening to this Jesus along with thousands of others but no one pays attention to a kid. Everyone is hungry just like me. No one else seems to have any food with them so I gave my lunch to Jesus. He took it in his hands and prayed. There was enough food for all of us with leftovers too. I'm just a kid but He took my lunch in His hands and fed everyone. 

In Mark 5:21-24 it was one of the synagogue rulers, Jairus, that sought out Jesus. He pleaded with Jesus to come and heal his twelve-year old daughter who was on the verge of death. By the time Jesus arrived at his home, the girl had died. Yet Jairus witnessed the hands of Jesus touch her and raise her from death.


Peter, one of the disciples, followed Jesus during those years of ministry. He listened to His teachings, saw the miracles, and spent time with the Son of God. In Matthew 14 Jesus, during the middle of the night,  walks on the water toward the boat with the disciples had taken to cross the lake. Fear gripped this band of followers. Impetuous Peter figures if this is really Jesus, he could just go to Jesus if asked to do so. I imagine Peter recounting that night. Jesus told me to come, so I did. I climbed out of that boat and started walking on the water to Jesus. Then I took my eyes off him. Boy those waves were big and the wind whipped them around me. I was afraid and I started to sink but Jesus reached out His hands and pulled me up. His hands rescued me. 

The hands of Jesus did so much more. They bore the nails Roman soldiers drove into them as they hung him on the cross. They bled for us - for our sins, our wrong words, actions, and thoughts. He willingly offered himself as the sinless Lamb of God because of God's great love for us. Yet the cross was not

the end but the way for Him to offer the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice.The grave could not hold him. Hallelujah He arose. Jesus is alive.

Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, came to earth to pay the penalty for all of us. Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this; While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 6: 23 reminds us that His death and resurrection are God's gift to us. "For the wages of sin in death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Jesus had compassion on the crowds, on the individuals, and called all to come to Him to find rest, to find healing, and to find forgiveness during His time of ministry. Today Jesus still calls us to come to Him, to follow Him, to take His hand, and allow Him to touch us right where we are. He longs to forgive, to heal, to guide and direct, to comfort us in times of trouble and isolation, and to give us victory in our everyday lives.



Matthew 11:28-30 says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

 His hands touched the outcast, the children, those on the fringes of society, the synagogue rulers and their families, the loyal followers, and He had compassion on the crowds. The hands of Jesus bled for us when he took our place and became our sacrifice. He waits for us to come. As we remember the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus what do we need victory over, forgiveness in, and healing of our minds and bodies? Coming to Jesus and celebrating the meaning of Easter is never restricted by viruses.

Carol Harrison loves to share stories, from her home in Saskatoon, of everyday life and of the fingerprints of God in our everyday lives.

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Coincidences, Miracles and Godwinks by Bob Jones

Some people call these coincidences, others call them serendipities. We can call them God’s connecting points or miracles. I like Squire Rushnell’s term “godwink.”

A godwink is what some people would call an answered prayer, or simply an experience where you'd say, "Wow, what are the odds of that!"

Godwink #1 - In October 2012, I “happened upon” a remarkable account while preparing my Sunday message on the subject of healing. The story was from the life of a Texas pastor, Duane Miller. Duane shared his miraculous healing in a book called Out Of The Silence.

Godwink #2 - I wanted to order copies of Duane's book from his organization so I dialed the 1-800 number. The online click signaled that my call was being re-directed. I heard a puzzled voice answer, “Hello?” My call had been re-directed to Duane’s personal cell phone in Houston. He was as surprised as I was to have a conversation.

I had the pleasure of hearing Duane’s crystal clear voice as he recounted his story. In 1990 he prematurely retired from pastoring because of a virus that penetrated the myelin sheath around the nerves in his vocal cords. His speech was reduced to a raspy whisper.

Godwink #3 - On Sunday January 17, 1993 he was asked to lead an adult Bible class. Teaching the class that day with a special microphone resting on his lips, he reaffirmed his belief in divine healing by referring to Psalm 103. Listening to the recording of that event, you can barely understand his weakly spoken, wheezy words. The miracle happened as he read verse 4, “…who redeems your life from the pit…” He commented, “I have had and you have had in times past, pit experiences."

On the word “pit” his life changed - the word was spoken as clear as a bell, in contrast to the imperfect enunciation of the preceding words. He paused, startled; began again and stopped. He said a few more words - all in a normal clear tone - and stopped again. The class erupted with shouts of joy, astonishment and sounds of weeping. God completely healed him as he was declaring the truth in this psalm.

Duane shared over the phone that he had over 200 doctors that were familiar with his case. His physician was the Head of Medicine at Baylor University. His was a well-documented miracle. He has since appeared on Oprah, 100 Huntley Street and traveled the world sharing his story.

Godwink #4 - Perhaps this post will be your godwink. Do you need encouragement regarding your writing? Do you need a miracle of healing? Listen to Duane’s experience in 1993 as he received his miracle.

Miracles and godwinks will happen to you.

Bob is a recovering perfectionist, who collects Coca-Cola memorabilia and drinks Iced Tea. His office walls are adorned with his sons’ framed football jerseys, and his library shelves, with soul food. He writes to inspire people to be real, grow an authentic faith in Jesus, enjoy healthy relationships and discover their life purpose.

Follow his writing at Pointes Of View.

Waiting on a Miracle or Two by Steph Beth Nickel

A child who has walked away from the faith.

A habit that won't let go.

An illness that has worn you down.

Broken promises. Broken dreams. Broken hearts.

We're all in need of a miracle--or two.

And the only reason we can hold out hope is because of the miracles that took place over 2,000 years ago.

If Jesus hadn't lived, died, and risen again, any hope of supernatural intervention would be nothing more than wishful thinking.

But because Jesus conquered sin, death, and hell, I can pray for my wayward child. I can draw on His strength to identify and overcome any destructive behaviour. I can call out to Him on behalf of friends and family members with chronic--even terminal--health concerns.

How can I be sure that God still intervenes in the lives of men, women, boys, and girls?

I have witnessed Him at work in my own life. Although others may not cal them miracles,

Because of a long list of "coincidences," God caused my path to cross my husband's coming up on 40 years ago. We've been married almost 35 years and Dave's love and patience over all these years is clear evidence that God has been at work.

And speaking of so-called coincidences, I have gotten more than one job because of circumstances only God Himself could orchestrate.

I faced a dark time when my dad passed away. My faith was tried and tested. It seemed everything came crashing down, but I landed firmly on the Rock. Even when the storms rage, He is well able to hold us close.

To this day, I am periodically plagued by the thought "but I don't wanna." In 21st century lingo, when I don't want to "adult" on any given day, the Lord gives me the wherewithal to press on.

And currently, God is bringing about transformation within me because I'm participating in a decluttering challenge. (It doesn't sound very spiritual. Does it?) You can read about it on Janet Sketchley's blog.

All these situations and relationships are directly thanks to what Jesus accomplished for me on Calvary and what He continues to accomplish in my life to this day.

So when I'm heavy hearted and tempted to give up, I will remember the miracles of Easter. I will also remember how the Lord has intervened in my life over the years.

I will continue to call on Him on behalf of those who need a miracle today.

And whether I see the miracles I'm waiting on or not, I can lean on Hebrews 11:1, which says, " Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (ESV).

What miracle are you waiting on?

I'm Glad I Missed That Bus - Bruce Atchison.

Why doesn't God do miracles today? That was what I often wondered throughout my childhood and early adult years. The Bible is filled with accounts of supernatural healings, storms being stopped, days being lengthened, armies routed, food being multiplied, and dead people being resurrected. Not until a few years ago did I learn of a special sort of miraculous process that occurs continually, yet we rarely acknowledge it.

As R. C. Sproul once explained on his Renewing Your Mind radio program, providence requires much more in the way of miraculous power than any straight-forward miracle would. So many factors have to line up perfectly for the providential act to take place. I experienced many of these, one of the most notable being the time I missed the last bus home after a meeting of shortwave enthusiasts.

When I told Don, the man in whose house the meeting was held, what happened, he graciously let me sleep on his couch. Since he didn't provide me with a disposable razor or tooth brush, I looked dishevelled the next morning when I reported to work at the airports branch of the federal government. I usually brought a bag lunch to work but as I hadn't been home to make one, I ate lunch at the cafeteria. While speaking to an acquaintance seated across from me, I mentioned that I needed a new place to live as my current apartment was too noisy. She said the main floor of her house was vacant and asked if I would be interested in seeing it. When I arrived there the next Sunday afternoon, I knew that the place would be much better than that hole in the wall I currently rented.

Because of one missed bus, I ended up renting a much better place where I had three years of peace. The embarrassment I felt about waiting on the wrong side of the street and having to beg a night's lodging from the president of the Canadian International DX Club was far outweighed by the years of quietude I enjoyed at my acquaintance's house.

My upcoming How I Was Razed: A Journey from Cultism to Christianity memoir contains many examples of God's kind providence. Even his letting me join a cultic house church has redounded to his glory in that I now know the truth. Because of being deceived, I feel a burning desire to defend the Word.

My previous books, When a Man Loves a Rabbit (Learning and Living With Bunnies) and Deliverance from Jericho (Six Years in a Blind School) also show the Lord's providence in my life, even though some experiences were far from enjoyable. Read more about them here. You're also welcome to write to me directly if you like.

Do What He Says - Violet Nesdoly

"Wedding at Cana" by Edouard L. L. Edy-Legrand

Do What He Says
“Whatever He says to you – do it.” John 2:5

Please, one more glass –
why do you pass
filling it only half?
Dry spout?
You’re running out?
How can we dine
without more wine?

Mary sees flush
embarrassed blush
on face of friend beside
the mother of the bride.
Feels the sting –
how publicly
embarrassing.

Across the room
beside the groom
Jesus, her pondering-heart
Son – the One
Who knew, when it was due
where she’d misplaced
the rent money.
Funny how
after His word
oil always poured
from almost-empty cruse.
Another day
He touched
an ankle bruise
and it erased
like clouds before
sun’s face.

“Son, can you help?”

Though He replies
looking at her
with old-young eyes,
“Woman, my time
has not yet come,”

she beckons to
the harried servant-master,
“Do what He says,
whatever it is
and so avoid
disaster.”

© 2011 by Violet Nesdoly

********************
Okay, I made up those extra miracles that I had Jesus performing for his mother in the privacy of their home. It’s my way of explaining why Mary was so sure that Jesus could help.

Whatever gave her that conviction, I love the double-sidedness of her advice to the wedding caterers: “Whatever He says to you, do it” (John 2:5). That’s advice that’s as good for me, for all of us, as it was for them.

And it's an example of how God teaches us through little things around us... a line from a Bible story we've read a hundred times but never really noticed, a recalled conversation, a quote from a book, the juxtaposition of events that show us there is a trend in the life lessons we're learning and we'd best pay attention to God's curriculum.
Moses sang:

"Let my teaching drop as the rain
My speech distill as the dew,
As raindrops on the tender herb,
And as showers on the grass" - Deuteronomy 32:2.

What is dew but the distillation of the ambient moisture that was surrounding objects and plants all along? May we be those tender herbs and grasses that recognize and receive the rain and dew of God's lessons.  

********************

Website: www.violetnesdoly.com

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Give Thanks - In Everything?! - Ruth L. Snyder

A wail of sirens wakes me. "Lord, help those involved. Give the emergency workers wisdom." I wonder if my son, Levi, hears the sirens. Emergencies fascinate him. Suddenly I'm wide awake. My husband and four older children are on their way from camp to the horsemanship area a couple kilometers away. Are the emergency vehicles racing towards them?

A few hours before, I had shown the family camp speaker the book I was reading: One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. We discussed the fact that many times we accept what we see as "good" things from God and then complain when we encounter "bad" things.

"Lord, help me to accept whatever you have allowed to happen.Give me the strength to praise you, no matter what."

A knock sounds at the door. "Come in."

My nephew enters the cabin. His face is flushed and he struggles to get the words out. "Auntie, there's been an accident." He gasps for breath. "I think everyone's O.K., but they're going to the hospital to get checked out."

Minutes later I gulp as my five family members stumble through the door, like dusty apparitions. Their faces are smudged with dirt. Clothes are torn and spattered with blood. There are tear trails down the sides of several faces. "We need you to take us to the hospital," my husband says.

A few minutes later we pass the remnants of the van they were in, then the tanker truck that hit the van and rolled it into the ditch. I hold my breath. I realize I have just witnessed a miracle. All nine occupants of the van are still alive. The worst injury is a broken leg. I think back to Ann's questions:

"What will I lose? Health? Comfort? Hope? Eventually, I am guaranteed to lose every earthly thing I have ever possessed...Who will I lose?...Am I prepared for that?..Does anyone whisper in the dead boy's house, 'God's grace'?

The Apostle Paul urges, "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NASB)

Today I am thankful I still have a husband and all five of my children. Would I still be thankful if I was a widow? If my children were killed? My husband is moving a bit slower these days - he has a broken rib. Would I still be thankful if he was an invalid as a result of the accident? Will I choose to give thanks? In everything?

Ruth L. Snyder

Check out Ruth's blog on education matters at www.trusteesnyder.blogspot.com.
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