What do you think?
Rate this book
Heaven Touching Earth: True Stories Of Angels, Miracles, And Heavenly Encounters
These extraordinary true stories of angels, miracles, and heavenly encounters will warm hearts and boost faith through evidence of God's continuing intervention in our world.
256 pages, Paperback
First published August 19, 2014
36 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
James Stuart Bell
127 books22 followersJames Stuart Bell is the owner of Whitestone Communications, a literary development agency. He consults with numerous publishers, represents various authors, and provides writing and editing services. He has previously served as executive editor at Moody Press, director of religious publishing at Doubleday, and publisher at Bridge Publishing. He also has more than one hundred books with cover credit. He coauthored the best-selling Complete Idiot's Guide to the Bible (more than 300,000 sold) and numerous other Christian guides in that series for the Penguin Group. He has also contributed numerous Christian volumes to the best-selling Cup of Comfort series by Adams Media.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 4, 2014
How do you review a book that you really wanted to like but just couldn't? I've read angel and miracle books before so thought I would enjoy Heaven Touching Earth, complied by James Stuart Bell. Over half the stories in the book were what I expected - uplifting stories of Heavenly encounters.
But, some of the stories made me squirm. Not only were they not in the same mindset of the book, but they seemed too "out there", too fake, too "something isn't right with this story".
Don't get me wrong, I've had my fair share of Heavenly experiences and I may not even believe them had they not happened to me.
A blob on the bed? An imp that wants to cut you? Slithering on the floor like a snake with glowing red eyes? They don't seem to fit in with "angels, miracles, and Heavenly encounters".
Not only that, but I've now grown weary of people who credit miraculous healing based on solely believing that God WILL heal you. This is a slippery slope, one that makes some believers turn away from God when they aren't healed. Healing happens in the worst of circumstances sometimes, and is a miracle, but to preach that believers will be healed if only they ask is not Biblical, nor realistic, nor wise. For example, the chapter where a woman was asked "Have you prayed for healing?" and she responds "no!" as though she never even thought of that, goes on to pray, and is immediately healed.
Yep. These are the stories that bothered me in this book. Had it been complied differently, stayed on track, I think I would have thoroughly enjoyed this book.
But, some of the stories made me squirm. Not only were they not in the same mindset of the book, but they seemed too "out there", too fake, too "something isn't right with this story".
Don't get me wrong, I've had my fair share of Heavenly experiences and I may not even believe them had they not happened to me.
A blob on the bed? An imp that wants to cut you? Slithering on the floor like a snake with glowing red eyes? They don't seem to fit in with "angels, miracles, and Heavenly encounters".
Not only that, but I've now grown weary of people who credit miraculous healing based on solely believing that God WILL heal you. This is a slippery slope, one that makes some believers turn away from God when they aren't healed. Healing happens in the worst of circumstances sometimes, and is a miracle, but to preach that believers will be healed if only they ask is not Biblical, nor realistic, nor wise. For example, the chapter where a woman was asked "Have you prayed for healing?" and she responds "no!" as though she never even thought of that, goes on to pray, and is immediately healed.
Yep. These are the stories that bothered me in this book. Had it been complied differently, stayed on track, I think I would have thoroughly enjoyed this book.
August 25, 2017
I personally believe in angels. Every time I go driving I pray for an angel to go with me. Last Saturday, while driving to a place 100 kilometres from here, there was certainly an angel. My fiance Tony was driving my car. On our right was a row of 6 cars tightly packed together. Suddenly, a vehicle the same model as mine pulled out from behind the row of 6 to overake the lot of them, and was heading straight towards us. Headlights blazing, there was not a space for the driver to pull in. Normally my heart would have been beating fit to burst as the speeding driver approached. However, I was incredibly calm. "There's a car heading towards us," I said. "I can see it," he replied, expecting the worst. Tony hit the brakes and swerved to the left as best he could, but there was no room to escape. Miraculously, a gap suddenly appeared at the front of the lead car. Out of nowhere. The angel had created that space, I believe. We wondered what the other driver's passengers were thinking.
This book is a collection of such tales. Some are a little dubious, to my mind. But there are many others who testify to amazing events and miracles that have no logical explanation. Whether you believe or not, this is certainly food for thought, and for me, an affirmation of the faith I hold. Too much to be coincidences.
This book is a collection of such tales. Some are a little dubious, to my mind. But there are many others who testify to amazing events and miracles that have no logical explanation. Whether you believe or not, this is certainly food for thought, and for me, an affirmation of the faith I hold. Too much to be coincidences.
July 20, 2017
This book has short stories about miracles that have happened to individuals.
September 20, 2014
This is such a great browse and read discovery. A collection of miracles in which our Lord's hand was at work in the lives of so many. When you have those moments, and we all do, in which you just don't have the strength to get involved in your novel or a scripture passage... you can pick this collection up and with in the first few lines... inspiration is filling you up.
A moment to ponder:
"Though we can rarely see it or fully comprehend it,
Jesus has brought heaven down to earth
and reconciled us so that the barriers we often perceive are really nonexistent."
I recalled so many moments while I was driving and knew that I had witnessed God's hand at work, so the Angel on Route 495 tugged at my heart as a reminder that, yep... He was there for me too.
I smiled with hope when I read about a couple who would experience a "heart's desired" blessing while on vacation , I knew so many moments when my own vacations seemed so impossibly "gifted."
In Wings of Peace, I had quiet tears slipping down my cheeks as Cheryl retold of the void that threatened her Christmas following her mother's death. When your parents, grandparents, spouses, and or children are with our Lord... Joy and Peace on earth can be so evasive.
Recalling those moments when I have fallen on my knees in thanksgiving praise, I rejoiced with Jeanie as she opened her heart to receiving God's total salvation package (The Total Package).
I shuddered with recognition in the Glowing Red Eyes, when God so lovingly reminded Loretta about putting on the armor of the Lord (Ephesians 6). That gentle morning prompting gave way to a "full on" demonic fight for a friend's salvation. There is never a moment to be unprotected!
I was reminded about "the assurance that God's own heart would keep your loved one's heart beating." Although Holy Electricity is about a small son's need, I have been at many bedsides in which trust and faith had to give way to surrender in order to just "breath through" the fear.
My heart recalled "The Still, Small Voice of Authority" that has awoken me... made me reach for a phone... caused me to drive over to another house, and gave me the directive to act and pray. Delores shares her determination to share the small voice that told her to call home, and as she explains to a medical staff... she was not ashamed to give God the glory.
With hope bubbling up, with praise and thanksgiving, with moments of tearful recognition you will find stories of our Lord bringing His kingdom to us here on earth. When you realize you have finished all of the stories, you will want to revisit them again. This is perfect for any book club. It is an excellent "pass it on" book for all prayer warriors, and is so tempting that even your adult children will find a way to rejoice in God's hand at work in the lives within the pages as they recognize the reflection of their own encounters.
Blessings can be found and shared,
MrsK http://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/
A moment to ponder:
"Though we can rarely see it or fully comprehend it,
Jesus has brought heaven down to earth
and reconciled us so that the barriers we often perceive are really nonexistent."
I recalled so many moments while I was driving and knew that I had witnessed God's hand at work, so the Angel on Route 495 tugged at my heart as a reminder that, yep... He was there for me too.
I smiled with hope when I read about a couple who would experience a "heart's desired" blessing while on vacation , I knew so many moments when my own vacations seemed so impossibly "gifted."
In Wings of Peace, I had quiet tears slipping down my cheeks as Cheryl retold of the void that threatened her Christmas following her mother's death. When your parents, grandparents, spouses, and or children are with our Lord... Joy and Peace on earth can be so evasive.
Recalling those moments when I have fallen on my knees in thanksgiving praise, I rejoiced with Jeanie as she opened her heart to receiving God's total salvation package (The Total Package).
I shuddered with recognition in the Glowing Red Eyes, when God so lovingly reminded Loretta about putting on the armor of the Lord (Ephesians 6). That gentle morning prompting gave way to a "full on" demonic fight for a friend's salvation. There is never a moment to be unprotected!
I was reminded about "the assurance that God's own heart would keep your loved one's heart beating." Although Holy Electricity is about a small son's need, I have been at many bedsides in which trust and faith had to give way to surrender in order to just "breath through" the fear.
My heart recalled "The Still, Small Voice of Authority" that has awoken me... made me reach for a phone... caused me to drive over to another house, and gave me the directive to act and pray. Delores shares her determination to share the small voice that told her to call home, and as she explains to a medical staff... she was not ashamed to give God the glory.
With hope bubbling up, with praise and thanksgiving, with moments of tearful recognition you will find stories of our Lord bringing His kingdom to us here on earth. When you realize you have finished all of the stories, you will want to revisit them again. This is perfect for any book club. It is an excellent "pass it on" book for all prayer warriors, and is so tempting that even your adult children will find a way to rejoice in God's hand at work in the lives within the pages as they recognize the reflection of their own encounters.
Blessings can be found and shared,
MrsK http://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/
September 5, 2014
Heaven Touching Earth by James Stuart Bell - my review
I just finished reading Heaven Touching Earth by James Stuart Bell, I absolutely LOVED it! It is filled with true stories of miracles. Basically each chapter is a testimony by a different person who has experienced a miracle, angels helping out, or some type of Heavenly encounter that can not otherwise be explained. A car that drives itself, an Angel that prevents a wreck, and pulls another out of a wreck, prays for a married couple who are having problems. A woman who was expected to die from uterine cancer but goes on to have three more children! These are just some of the stories that you will read about. Forty-three different accounts of miracles, Angels,and/or Heavenly encounters! I tremendously enjoy hearing or reading testimonies of God still working miracles today. Some people may find it hard to believe all the different stories that the author and others have shared, but I know that such things do still happen.
I have had experiences of my own with miracles or things that others would have a hard time believing. So yes I am believer! Jesus is still performing miracles today and God is sending his Angels to help out where needed.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes to hear (read) testimonies of miracles and Angels. Or anyone who is curious about these things. Would also make a great gift.
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.
Look for this book on September 16, 2014
I just finished reading Heaven Touching Earth by James Stuart Bell, I absolutely LOVED it! It is filled with true stories of miracles. Basically each chapter is a testimony by a different person who has experienced a miracle, angels helping out, or some type of Heavenly encounter that can not otherwise be explained. A car that drives itself, an Angel that prevents a wreck, and pulls another out of a wreck, prays for a married couple who are having problems. A woman who was expected to die from uterine cancer but goes on to have three more children! These are just some of the stories that you will read about. Forty-three different accounts of miracles, Angels,and/or Heavenly encounters! I tremendously enjoy hearing or reading testimonies of God still working miracles today. Some people may find it hard to believe all the different stories that the author and others have shared, but I know that such things do still happen.
I have had experiences of my own with miracles or things that others would have a hard time believing. So yes I am believer! Jesus is still performing miracles today and God is sending his Angels to help out where needed.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes to hear (read) testimonies of miracles and Angels. Or anyone who is curious about these things. Would also make a great gift.
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.
Look for this book on September 16, 2014
November 21, 2014
I would recommend Heaven Touching Earth: True Stories of Angels, Miracles, and Heavenly Encounters to anyone! It was a great collection of stories, true stories, on being saved, protected, and guided by our one true God. If you feel like God isn't as present in this world now as He was in the Bible or if you are just looking for a positive uplifting book, this is the book. I felt so uplifted and encouraged by reading these stories on God's presence and grace in other people's lives.
This book had realistic messages as well as amazing and beautiful miracles. As many people know, God doesn't always answer our prayers the way we want, but this book shows how He does answer and replies in a better way than we can even imagine. Several stories tell of how they were delivered from car accidents or protected through dangerous situations. One lady rejoiced because God used her through a vision to deliver a message to a young couple, promising a child to them. A few others tell of how they heard a voice giving them directions to save them or to save another life.
Having short chapters and no details on anything bad, it's a good book for almost any age and it's the perfect way to end a long day. With over forty authors' different stories, Heaven Touching Earth is reassurance that God loves and looks out for us.
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in return for an honest review.
This book had realistic messages as well as amazing and beautiful miracles. As many people know, God doesn't always answer our prayers the way we want, but this book shows how He does answer and replies in a better way than we can even imagine. Several stories tell of how they were delivered from car accidents or protected through dangerous situations. One lady rejoiced because God used her through a vision to deliver a message to a young couple, promising a child to them. A few others tell of how they heard a voice giving them directions to save them or to save another life.
Having short chapters and no details on anything bad, it's a good book for almost any age and it's the perfect way to end a long day. With over forty authors' different stories, Heaven Touching Earth is reassurance that God loves and looks out for us.
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in return for an honest review.
October 1, 2014
This was such an encouraging book that I did not want to put down! I liked the variety of stories, from seeing angels to being healed to dealing with spiritual warfare; there was never a dull moment and I wasn't sure what would happen next! Some of the stories brought tears to my eyes and most made me rejoice! One of the stories that really stuck out for me was about a couple women who were praying for another woman and realized she was possessed by an evil spirit. I can't imagine how scary that must have been, but she was delivered! Even though God tells us He is always with his people, it's nice to have a reminder now and then, as the people in these stories can attest to personally, and we can be encouraged as we read these stories. Sometimes it can be easy to question why God doesn't share this type of experience with all believers, but He is God and we are not and our role is to trust Him, no matter what. He has a purpose for it and a plan. This wasn't a reward because these people were superspiritual or church leaders, as the editor points out; they were just ordinary believers who prayed and asked for help. Who knows, maybe one day something like this will happen to you! I love books like this and it did not disappoint. I highly recommend it!
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2015
Heaven Touching Earth, by James Stuart Bell, is overflowing with inspiring testimonies of miracles, angel intervention, and heavenly encounters. What an incredible read! It’s going on my keeper shelf.
The spiritual realm is one that many think of as mysterious and unseen, but the truth is it surrounds us and touches our lives all the time. The Bible tells us we often entertain angels without even being aware of them. God also uses ordinary, everyday humans to bless us as well.
The true stories in this book not only inspire or amuse, but they illustrate the fact that God loves us, provides for us, in exciting and wondrous ways. It is filled with miraculous healings, interactions, interventions, and deliverance. God is good and He does good.
I recommend this book to anyone who hopes to be inspired or encouraged. It’s sure to fill you with the assurance that God hears your prayers, knows your situation, and has the answers. Heaven Touching Earth is the perfect gift for someone in need of healing, confirmation, or encouragement.
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Pages: 257
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a Review Copy. I was not required to write a positive review. The options I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
The spiritual realm is one that many think of as mysterious and unseen, but the truth is it surrounds us and touches our lives all the time. The Bible tells us we often entertain angels without even being aware of them. God also uses ordinary, everyday humans to bless us as well.
The true stories in this book not only inspire or amuse, but they illustrate the fact that God loves us, provides for us, in exciting and wondrous ways. It is filled with miraculous healings, interactions, interventions, and deliverance. God is good and He does good.
I recommend this book to anyone who hopes to be inspired or encouraged. It’s sure to fill you with the assurance that God hears your prayers, knows your situation, and has the answers. Heaven Touching Earth is the perfect gift for someone in need of healing, confirmation, or encouragement.
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Pages: 257
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a Review Copy. I was not required to write a positive review. The options I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
March 10, 2017
GOD'S NOT DEAD HE STILL DOES MIRACLES
I know for a fact that what this people experienced is true because I have to.. this was there for me to read as if God were following me daily. Thank you for sharing your experiences with me. Everyone from little to old, believer to nonbelievers. Read this book ... your life will be changed
I know for a fact that what this people experienced is true because I have to.. this was there for me to read as if God were following me daily. Thank you for sharing your experiences with me. Everyone from little to old, believer to nonbelievers. Read this book ... your life will be changed
January 14, 2015
*I would like to preface this with a disclaimer that I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway and would like to show my appreciation to Goodreads and the publisher by providing an unbiased review.*
I was truly looking forward to reading this book. I thought it was going to really interest me as I kind of have a closet fascination for the afterlife/"Heaven", near-death experiences, paranormal events, etc. However, I can see now that my expectations were different and I was disappointed.
The format was nice. I liked that it was a collection of personal narratives; although, they really seemed contrived and forced. (I actually found the narration in some stories humorous, like they were trying too hard.) To me, it felt like the stories all expressed the same basic idea and I really felt like this book beat me over the head with "God" and Christianity. This book probably would not be enjoyed by a non-Christian/non-religious audience.
*Perhaps an irrelevant note: I believe myself to be a spiritual person. I also believe myself to be a 'Christian'. I still did not find this book enjoyable in the way it was intended.
I was truly looking forward to reading this book. I thought it was going to really interest me as I kind of have a closet fascination for the afterlife/"Heaven", near-death experiences, paranormal events, etc. However, I can see now that my expectations were different and I was disappointed.
The format was nice. I liked that it was a collection of personal narratives; although, they really seemed contrived and forced. (I actually found the narration in some stories humorous, like they were trying too hard.) To me, it felt like the stories all expressed the same basic idea and I really felt like this book beat me over the head with "God" and Christianity. This book probably would not be enjoyed by a non-Christian/non-religious audience.
*Perhaps an irrelevant note: I believe myself to be a spiritual person. I also believe myself to be a 'Christian'. I still did not find this book enjoyable in the way it was intended.
December 21, 2014
Heaven Touching Earth is truly a wonderful, exciting book that was a joy to read. I loved reading about all of the miracles and encounters with Heavenly beings.
Forty-three short stories that are so thrilling and full of things that happen that we call amazing.
Like it says on the description of this book a thin curtain separates the physical and spiritual worlds.
Most people go on with life and never think about or consider that we also live in the spiritual. So many things go on that we don’t know about. How angels are here to guard us and how people can be healed.
I highly recommend this book. It is very inspirational, encouraging book. One that just makes you so glad to be alive. Excellent book.
Thank you to Bethany House for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
Forty-three short stories that are so thrilling and full of things that happen that we call amazing.
Like it says on the description of this book a thin curtain separates the physical and spiritual worlds.
Most people go on with life and never think about or consider that we also live in the spiritual. So many things go on that we don’t know about. How angels are here to guard us and how people can be healed.
I highly recommend this book. It is very inspirational, encouraging book. One that just makes you so glad to be alive. Excellent book.
Thank you to Bethany House for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
January 28, 2015
This review is from: Heaven Touching Earth: True Stories of Angels, Miracles, and Heavenly Encounters (Paperback)
Heaven Touching Earth: True Stories of Angels by James Stuart Bell
The beautiful cover and the title draw you inside. The stories are very touching and make you want to read more. I could identify with some of the encounters, they spoke directly to situations I was in at the time. This book is uplifting and draws you closer to God and reminds us that a personal relationship with our Savior is essential.
There is something is this book for everyone. You want to read this book!
This book was awarded to me by Goodreads. These words are my own. Heaven Touching Earth really touched my heart.
Heaven Touching Earth: True Stories of Angels by James Stuart Bell
The beautiful cover and the title draw you inside. The stories are very touching and make you want to read more. I could identify with some of the encounters, they spoke directly to situations I was in at the time. This book is uplifting and draws you closer to God and reminds us that a personal relationship with our Savior is essential.
There is something is this book for everyone. You want to read this book!
This book was awarded to me by Goodreads. These words are my own. Heaven Touching Earth really touched my heart.
September 27, 2014
This was a wonderful book that inspired me. My dad has died and I loved reading the stories about angels and encounters. I feel as though my dad is always with me and this book confirmed that. My favorite story was Angel on route 495. I believe in angels and after reading this book you might too. What is nice is that there is a story for everyone. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review from Bethany House, however all opinions are my own.
- See more at: http://dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/2...
- See more at: http://dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/2...
July 20, 2016
I don't normally enjoy short stories but I enjoyed these. I used them as a daily devotional book so I read one or two chapters a day. People had some very strange and impossible events happen that could only be under God's direction. If this is something you enjoy read this and read it often. You will learn to see God's influence around you when you just look.
January 11, 2015
Nice very short stories of encouragement, enlightenment and faith that we are watched over by angels and God. A good book to pick up and use the stories as reminders when you are feeling alone or just when you need to calm your heart and soul.
November 19, 2014
A very inspirational book. The stories are short enough to truly enjoy but are informative enough to be very uplifting. Real people, with real miracles. A must read for a better understanding of "miracles" that happen today!
May 26, 2019
I’ve always loved true stories of encounters with angels and this book delivers just that. I found it to be inspiring and full of love.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews