What do you think?
Rate this book
When God Winks at You: How God Speaks Directly to You Through the Power of Coincidence
A surprising answer to prayer comes at just the right moment. Could God be showing you that He cares about the details of your life?
Best-selling author SQuire Rushnell says these silent little miracles are godwinks--messages of assurance that no matter what is happening in your life or how uncertain things may seem at the moment, God is with you and will help you move toward certainty.
When God Winks at You is an amazing array of real-life stories that will help you begin to recognize the god winks in your own life and attain an unshakable confidence that you are never alone . . . and never have been.
With delightful warmth and familiarity, SQuire has masterfully crafted a timeless collection of inspiring and faith-building stories that can be enjoyed again and again.
Best-selling author SQuire Rushnell says these silent little miracles are godwinks--messages of assurance that no matter what is happening in your life or how uncertain things may seem at the moment, God is with you and will help you move toward certainty.
When God Winks at You is an amazing array of real-life stories that will help you begin to recognize the god winks in your own life and attain an unshakable confidence that you are never alone . . . and never have been.
With delightful warmth and familiarity, SQuire has masterfully crafted a timeless collection of inspiring and faith-building stories that can be enjoyed again and again.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2000
1087 people are currently reading
4398 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 431 reviews
January 24, 2015
This is not a review, but rather a Godwink of my own that I will share. If you enjoy this then yes, this book is filled with little stories you will enjoy.
I was hanging out with a best friend at her house. There is never any room in her driveway so when I go there I always park in the front lawn, next to the driveway but also underneath a pecan tree.
As young adults with free time, we randomly decided a trip to the movies would be a nice way to spend the evening. We had over an hour to kill before the movie. No problem, we decided to go get ice cream beforehand! As I walk outside to get into my car my best friend said "Wait! I'm going to go to the bathroom." And, as females who generally flock to the bathroom together, I followed her back into the house. No sooner had that happened then we heard a CRASH. We thought someone was breaking in. But then her dad yelled, "Jess! You need to come to your car!" We both run out and there is a 6+foot tree branch sticking through the windshield of my car. It went straight in through the glass and the dashboard, then fell over the hood of the car. Upon further inspection, we found glass everywhere in the front seat and even in the back seat. It had pierced the head rests. My Godwink saved us from getting hurt from the glass. Despite the damage and the headache that usually comes from car repairs, we all looked at the situation positively and continue to praise God.
I was hanging out with a best friend at her house. There is never any room in her driveway so when I go there I always park in the front lawn, next to the driveway but also underneath a pecan tree.
As young adults with free time, we randomly decided a trip to the movies would be a nice way to spend the evening. We had over an hour to kill before the movie. No problem, we decided to go get ice cream beforehand! As I walk outside to get into my car my best friend said "Wait! I'm going to go to the bathroom." And, as females who generally flock to the bathroom together, I followed her back into the house. No sooner had that happened then we heard a CRASH. We thought someone was breaking in. But then her dad yelled, "Jess! You need to come to your car!" We both run out and there is a 6+foot tree branch sticking through the windshield of my car. It went straight in through the glass and the dashboard, then fell over the hood of the car. Upon further inspection, we found glass everywhere in the front seat and even in the back seat. It had pierced the head rests. My Godwink saved us from getting hurt from the glass. Despite the damage and the headache that usually comes from car repairs, we all looked at the situation positively and continue to praise God.
January 23, 2012
This was a very enjoyable book. The anecdotes throughout were fun to read and inspirational. This book was given to me as a Christmas gift. When I read the title, I had to laugh. Someone once told me that "Coincidences are God's way of remaining anonymous." I have repeated that quote to so many people in my day! This would have been a 5-star book for me except for a few things. The first was that I didn't think it was necessary to have so many famous people in it. Does that give credibility to the stories? I think not. Perhaps those stories could have been collected for a separate book about Godwinks and famous people. The other is that there was a bit of redundancy. The author kept saying to reflect on your own life. He didn't have to say that or could have said it just once.
I have had many, many "Godwinks" in my life, but two really stand out.
The first happened when I was driving my son home from kindergarten. Driving home, I actually passed our street! When I did it, it was the strangest thing. How on earth could I have passed my own street?! As I prepared to make a u-turn, I noticed an elderly man walking on the opposite sidewalk. As I turned I saw him trip and fall, hitting his head! I quickly u-turned and pulled over, telling my son to wait while I helped this man. He was on the ground when I approached him, looking dazed. I asked him if he was OK, and he kept asking me what happened. He was clearly confused. Another man stopped to help. We decided it was best to call 9-1-1 because the man was so disoriented and didn't seem to know where he lived. The paramedics were wonderful. They decided that he needed to go to the hospital but were very honest with us: it was going to cost the man a lot of money either with or without insurance. They wondered if one of us would be willing to take him. I took him to the hospital and, with my 6-year-old son, waited until a family member arrived. I have absolutely no doubt God wanted me there to help this man! It was an amazing, spiritual experience that has stuck with me throughout my life.
The second happened when I was going to an interview for a teaching job. My parents had given me a nice, leather briefcase when I had graduated with my credential years and years ago. I used this same briefcase for many interviews throughout the years. I had been thinking of my dad who had passed away several years earlier. A very skilled writer, he used to help me with letters of application and resumes before he died of prostate cancer. Although my dad and I were not super close, this was one area where he was a wonderful parent and always gave great advice. The second thing you need to know about my dad is that he was notorious for leaving price tags on gifts. It was pretty much a family joke. On the way to the interview, I was praying for confidence and the appropriate words to come to mind throughout the interview. Nothing would be worse in an interview than having one of those days when you can't think of words! I parked at the school, brushed my hair, checked in the mirror to make sure I didn't have anything on my face or in my teeth. I got out, opened the trunk of my car, and reached for my briefcase. Something caught my eye on the inside of one of the briefcase handles. Darned if there wasn't a receipt sticker!!! How on earth had I gone that many years without ever seeing it? I was flooded with happiness! It was just the Godwink I needed to give me a confidence boost right before the interview. And yes, I got the job!
This book is all about perspective and recognizing when God has given you a direct message. I can't wait for my next Godwink!!!
I have had many, many "Godwinks" in my life, but two really stand out.
The first happened when I was driving my son home from kindergarten. Driving home, I actually passed our street! When I did it, it was the strangest thing. How on earth could I have passed my own street?! As I prepared to make a u-turn, I noticed an elderly man walking on the opposite sidewalk. As I turned I saw him trip and fall, hitting his head! I quickly u-turned and pulled over, telling my son to wait while I helped this man. He was on the ground when I approached him, looking dazed. I asked him if he was OK, and he kept asking me what happened. He was clearly confused. Another man stopped to help. We decided it was best to call 9-1-1 because the man was so disoriented and didn't seem to know where he lived. The paramedics were wonderful. They decided that he needed to go to the hospital but were very honest with us: it was going to cost the man a lot of money either with or without insurance. They wondered if one of us would be willing to take him. I took him to the hospital and, with my 6-year-old son, waited until a family member arrived. I have absolutely no doubt God wanted me there to help this man! It was an amazing, spiritual experience that has stuck with me throughout my life.
The second happened when I was going to an interview for a teaching job. My parents had given me a nice, leather briefcase when I had graduated with my credential years and years ago. I used this same briefcase for many interviews throughout the years. I had been thinking of my dad who had passed away several years earlier. A very skilled writer, he used to help me with letters of application and resumes before he died of prostate cancer. Although my dad and I were not super close, this was one area where he was a wonderful parent and always gave great advice. The second thing you need to know about my dad is that he was notorious for leaving price tags on gifts. It was pretty much a family joke. On the way to the interview, I was praying for confidence and the appropriate words to come to mind throughout the interview. Nothing would be worse in an interview than having one of those days when you can't think of words! I parked at the school, brushed my hair, checked in the mirror to make sure I didn't have anything on my face or in my teeth. I got out, opened the trunk of my car, and reached for my briefcase. Something caught my eye on the inside of one of the briefcase handles. Darned if there wasn't a receipt sticker!!! How on earth had I gone that many years without ever seeing it? I was flooded with happiness! It was just the Godwink I needed to give me a confidence boost right before the interview. And yes, I got the job!
This book is all about perspective and recognizing when God has given you a direct message. I can't wait for my next Godwink!!!
March 21, 2018
Very good book, made me cry when I was reading it while waiting for the oil to be changed in my car. Lots of interesting stories, kind of like a Chicken Soup for the Soul book, only the theme of the stories is how God reaches us through "coincidences". I also liked that the book had three pages of notes citing where the stories all came from. Made them that much more real to me. Excellent read for Lent this year, I'm glad I picked it up. 4, I was smiling through the tears, stars. Highly recommended.
March 16, 2023
If you enjoy diving into your faith and reading stories about life’s enjoyable moments this book’s for you. I’ve always believed that coincidence’s are Gods way of staying anonymous. I’ve had many Godwinks in my life. It’s all perspective. Can’t wait for my next Godwink.
March 13, 2010
Even though I have almost two shelves full of "inspriational" books, I picked this one up the other day. Why? Because right now my life is still a series of question marks. And to be 30 and still have question marks along the major pathways is difficult. Will my book(s) sell? When will they sell? When will I finally find the right guy and get married? When will I become a mom? I'm totally searching for answers to these questions and to understand what's going on in my life.
The really cool thing about this book is how he talked as a writer about getting the idea, the process of writing, being ready to give up on his writing career entirely, and then boom, he gets a godwink. A small pub takes him out and through the power of God's plan he ultimately lands at a major publishing house. I loved the story about how he soo wanted to be on Oprah to talk about Godwinks. For some reason, it always seemed to come close and fall through(the book had been passed to an assistant, etc.) Then one day he gets a phone call that as Oprah was doing a televised tour of her home, she picked up HIS book off her nightstand. Things went from there.
Great stories of Godwinks from everyone from Billy Grahm to Diane Lane to Tim Conway. However, the stories I enjoyed the most were the real life people and how Godwinks effected their lives. Overall, it really made me realize how much God is working in my life, even when I don't think he is. I'm just waiting to raise my eyes to the heavens and nod, fully realizing how the plan has unfolded.
The really cool thing about this book is how he talked as a writer about getting the idea, the process of writing, being ready to give up on his writing career entirely, and then boom, he gets a godwink. A small pub takes him out and through the power of God's plan he ultimately lands at a major publishing house. I loved the story about how he soo wanted to be on Oprah to talk about Godwinks. For some reason, it always seemed to come close and fall through(the book had been passed to an assistant, etc.) Then one day he gets a phone call that as Oprah was doing a televised tour of her home, she picked up HIS book off her nightstand. Things went from there.
Great stories of Godwinks from everyone from Billy Grahm to Diane Lane to Tim Conway. However, the stories I enjoyed the most were the real life people and how Godwinks effected their lives. Overall, it really made me realize how much God is working in my life, even when I don't think he is. I'm just waiting to raise my eyes to the heavens and nod, fully realizing how the plan has unfolded.
July 15, 2009
We just finished this in my ladies' Bible study. There are some neat stories in this short book. Some are better than others, and a few memorable ones made me tear up (which probably made fellow diners at the various places where I read the book while eating lunch wonder if I was crazy). I especially love the stories where human compassion and reaching out to a fellow person changed everyone's lives for the good.
One problem I have with the book, however, is believing that EVERY coincidence shows the will of God -- as if God is actually "micromanaging" our lives and the world. If it was a Godwink that so and so got that call inviting him to dinner just before he was about to kill himself, or it was a Godwink that led that person to drive instead of take the train that day there was a horrible crash, then why didn't God bother to wink at the others who went through with their terrible hopeless decision or tell the people who died not to take the train that day (or help keep the conductor awake, or have the technician inspect the track that day to find the problem before the crash). This, I guess, is the eternal question -- one that this book does not even acknowledge, let alone try to address.
One problem I have with the book, however, is believing that EVERY coincidence shows the will of God -- as if God is actually "micromanaging" our lives and the world. If it was a Godwink that so and so got that call inviting him to dinner just before he was about to kill himself, or it was a Godwink that led that person to drive instead of take the train that day there was a horrible crash, then why didn't God bother to wink at the others who went through with their terrible hopeless decision or tell the people who died not to take the train that day (or help keep the conductor awake, or have the technician inspect the track that day to find the problem before the crash). This, I guess, is the eternal question -- one that this book does not even acknowledge, let alone try to address.
September 23, 2019
Nope nope noppity nope. I read 10 pages and immediately realized that this was horribly written with dangerously terrible theology to boot. I encourage you to actively run away from this book. It takes scripture out of context (the little that it uses) to work for its own agenda. Just don’t even touch it with a ten foot pole.
July 22, 2018
I could only hear the voice of Robert Stack narrating as I read this one, which made it even more enjoyable! This book has the flavor of the old "Unsolved Mysteries" TV show... only here, the episodes all have positive resolutions, nothing remains unsolved, and you don't go to bed scared half to death. Some of the "coincidences" described in this book have no explanation other than God orchestrating the events to align as perfectly as they did, and this book serves a dual purpose.
Not only will you enjoy and be inspired by the collection of true stories presented here, but you will also start to reconsider previously unexplainable things that may have happened in your own life. With so many different types of stories presented here, most readers will find something that sounds familiar and many that will bring a smile.
Not only will you enjoy and be inspired by the collection of true stories presented here, but you will also start to reconsider previously unexplainable things that may have happened in your own life. With so many different types of stories presented here, most readers will find something that sounds familiar and many that will bring a smile.
April 28, 2026
Perfect little quick read and perfect reminder that you are exactly where you are supposed to be so God can work in your life
December 16, 2024
Should be called “When an Evangelical Christian Winks at You.” I love the premise of embracing coincidence and found many of these stories heartwarming and powerful. However, Rushnell’s writing dilutes rather than enhances the power of each story. By painting over each vignette with his own lackluster voice, he turned potentially potent stories into trite examples of “God’s work.” The message then becomes less about the mystery of the universe and the spirituality imbued in seemingly ordinary moments and more about Rushnell’s attempt to convince you that God exists. I think the stories would shine better in a format like The Moth, where readers are allowed to draw their own conclusions. Furthermore, this book perpetuates the harmful notion that Christians are blessed and favored by God because they believe in him, while those who don’t believe in him face hardship until they embrace The Church. The most prominent examples are the stories where someone battles a serious health issue and miraculously recovers as soon as they pray to God. While I believe in the power of prayer, what about all the people who pray and then don’t make it? And what about all the people who don’t pray— does that mean their struggles are their fault? Is God punishing them for not believing? Lastly, as mentioned above, Rushnell seems to conflate God with The Church, or at least blurs the lines too much for my faith. I especially noticed this when someone resolved their story by suggesting they started going to church or doing some kind of missionary work after experiencing a “godwink.” This is ridiculous given the whole concept of a “godwink” is that it a) comes to you and b) comes to you in everyday life! All in all, I appreciate the concept and individual stories. I recommend this to people searching for confirmation of their faith not original meaning.
August 5, 2014
I'm on the fence with this book. On the one hand, it IS very encouraging, especially if you read it at a crossroads in your life or you're down in the dumps where everything looks bleak and reading this book couldn't make your situation any worse. The author believes that each and every good coincidence in your life is the result of a "godwink" and evidence that God works in your life. Yes, I do believe God is in control of this world and everybody's lives within the parameters of His God-given human will, but this book only writes about good coincidences that happen in the lives of mostly rich and influential people who already believe in God or, at least, are nominally Christians if not needing a huge push/sign to finally believe and give them affirmation that what they're doing is actually going to eventually make them what they are today, i.e, the coincidences or godwinks made them rich and influential today. What of those Christians who only get strings and strings of bad coincidences and circumstances despite all their prayers? Do we call them devilwinks? Does that mean God doesn't work at all in their lives because they can't get godwinks? The section in this book about unanswered prayer actually shows answered prayers. I just wish Rushnell explored or spoke more with Christians like that. On the other hand, I believe in life circumstances and events (good and bad) that play out in different stages of your life, together with your personal Christian decisions, that lead a person to where you are today. They're not coincidences or godwinks, just part of His divine plan for your eternal life--said life being partly up to you where you're gonna end up spending it, even though God will try to make sure you end up with Him rather than with someone else.
July 16, 2010
This book gives examples of things that have happened in people's lives that have had special meaning to them. Some of the stories (all short) gave me goosebumps and made me smile (and get teary eyed), and some of them I didn't find especially appealing to me but didn't really mind reading. The God winks are categorized by such topics as "loss," "family," "job," and so on. Some topics may resonate with you more than others.
Some of my favorites: the family who lost a talented young daughter to a tragic accident... the father asked God for a sign that his daughter was OK, then for a sign that his daughter was with God - and the answers were pretty awesome. Another was the story of Emmitt (sp.?) Kelly (I think that's his name - the artist who did the crying clowns) - just really amazing. I'd give you details but don't want to ruin the surprise.
What I got from the stories in addition to inspiration, feeling good, etc., was a reminder to notice the God winks in MY life - I've begun writing them down and realizing that they're important to remember and be thankful for.
Some of my favorites: the family who lost a talented young daughter to a tragic accident... the father asked God for a sign that his daughter was OK, then for a sign that his daughter was with God - and the answers were pretty awesome. Another was the story of Emmitt (sp.?) Kelly (I think that's his name - the artist who did the crying clowns) - just really amazing. I'd give you details but don't want to ruin the surprise.
What I got from the stories in addition to inspiration, feeling good, etc., was a reminder to notice the God winks in MY life - I've begun writing them down and realizing that they're important to remember and be thankful for.
July 14, 2012
Coincidences are not coincidences is the main lesson in this book but signs from God you are perhaps on the right or the wrong path. Some of the anecdotes were particularly moving and inspirational while others were not. It's an easy read and brought me closer to my faith and reconfirmed thoughts I've had before about messages from God. The writing could have been stronger but overall I learned something from it. The book was recommended to me from someone very dear to my heart and I'm grateful for this book in that it had such a huge impact on someone who has been quite lost for a long time.
March 26, 2020
We’re in the midst of a crisis (COVID19) where Mother Earth and the Holy Spirit have joined forces to convince us that as a culture we need to slow down. I thought this book would shed some light on what’s going on. It doesn’t.
It lacks depth and reads like Chicken Soup for the Soul, which isn’t bad if you like that sort of thing. But I don’t.
There’s absolutely no discussion of people who desperately need those happy accidents but don’t get them. It is fitting that so many of his examples are rich and famous people.
I do like the coined word godwinks though.
It lacks depth and reads like Chicken Soup for the Soul, which isn’t bad if you like that sort of thing. But I don’t.
There’s absolutely no discussion of people who desperately need those happy accidents but don’t get them. It is fitting that so many of his examples are rich and famous people.
I do like the coined word godwinks though.
March 13, 2017
A good little book filled with what I like to call "Godcidences" not "coincidence." It makes a nice uplifting gift. Just a great reminder of God's omniscience and omnipresence.
March 2, 2013
The idea was a sound one but this is one of those books with a single concept and 50 million examples. Some are so far-fetched (not saying that they aren't true) that it weakens the point.
January 24, 2015
nice short read, can definitely be read in one sitting. nice reminders of coincidences in our lives. very pure!
February 16, 2018
A wonderful collection of short stories about “coincidences” that aren’t really coincidental at all. The author coins them “God-winks” and they fill you with hope about the future and the world around us that God still holds in the palm of His hands. I call these “bathroom books” because each short story is no more than 2-3 pages long and the book can be digested in regular bites each morning around 6:05am.
April 9, 2025
2 Timothy 4:3-4
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
This book is a perfect illustration for this Bible verse. Serving itching ears who are impressed by reconstructed or emailed fables and feel-good stories by a teacher akin to Freemasonry who twists doctrine for his purposes.
CONS
- The book centers around stories of the rich and famous, which is in stark contrast to the Bible.
- Most anecdotes are either 'reconstructed' from TV and newspaper accounts, or sent per email without any mention of personal verification and interviews (see addendum where the author reveals this).
- Indirect promotion of Freemasonry, with a heavy endorsement of Norman Vincent Peale (Pastor of Marble Collegiate Church; Founder of Guideposts a flagship magazine of Freemasonry; publically known to be a lifelong Mason (33°) ranging all common grades and innumerable accolades; appointed as Grand Prelate by the Knights Templar; author of 'The Power of Positive Thinking'; established a Jungian clinic with Freudian psychiatrist Dr. Smiley Blanton in the basement of his church; New Age and / or occult teachings; Universalism; he ridiculed salvation through IESOUS CHRISTOS: "It's not necessary to be born again. You have your way to G-d, I have mine. I found eternal peace in a Shinto shrine"; he maintained that Jews, Muslims, and other non-Christians worship the true G-d; he received a blessing from Mormon prophet Kimball; he endorsed occultic automatic writing through the 'The Jesus Letters' ...).
- Specific endorsement of Norman Vincent Peale's Marble Collegiate Church (church of the Trump family):
"Arthur Caliandro unfurled an impressive career in the ministry, and for more than two decades, he has been a powerful communicator from the pulpit of the famed Marble Collegiate Church in New York City as the handpicked successor of Dr. Norman Vincent Peale".
- The very first anecdotal account in this book is "given by Crystal Cathedral Sr. Pastor Robert Schuller". Schuller is one of of Norman Vincent Peale's most 'successful' protégés and teaches that there is no need for one to recognize his own personal sin, no need for repentance, and no need for the crucifixion of self, but that self is to be exalted.
- One entire chapter is dedicated to the history of the 'Red Hat Society', an organization officially run outside religious context, but clearly related to Freemasonry.
- Poor theology. Bible passages such as Jer 29:11 are totally taken out of context. Everything in his theology is positive and he tickles the ears of the reader.
- Strange teachings: "So must you. Leave your baggage behind and get onto your life's path, on a quest for your destiny. Your destiny will not come to you. You need to go to it. And this I promise: the godwinks will be there to guide you."
- Endorsement of the Old Covenant tithing, which is an heretical teaching:
"Mary felt gratitude and euphoria the following Sunday when she wrote a check for $5000, fulfilling her 10 percent promise. She slipped it into the offering basket at church, laughing to herself as she wrote at the bottom, 'tithing of unexpected income'."
- Strong emphasis on extrabiblical forms of numerologies, and repeated occurrences e.g. of Friday 13th:
"... Terry awoke on another Friday the thirteenth ... nineteen years after he had been silenced on that so-called unlucky day. G-d winked, and Terry Wallis started speaking again on Friday June 13 ..."
- Endorsement of gambling for a white crucifix cross at carnival:
"... the biggest parade of the year and the arrival of the carnival. Down by the river, a magical mini-village sprang up [...] Then he saw it! A white plastic crucifix that glowed in the dark, hanging on a green ribbon. For some reason, its lure was powerful. [...] Third dime, last try. [...] Tim began walking back home [...] he spotted the treasure ... a shiny dime ... lying on the sidewalk ... he dipped the hook ... and snatched the number-one duck from the odds of the impossible-awarding him the glow-in-the-dark white crucifix on a green ribbon!"
- The false teacher Billy Graham is being honored through an entire chapter lifting up his life (it is no coincidence that he was a great admirer of Norman Vincent Peale; also strong tendency towards universalism, key figure in the ecumenical movement; close collaboration with the Vatican and the Pope; unfriendly takeover of Halley's Bible Handbook and deletion of Jesuit references; advised his friend Nixon to end the Vietnam conflict in a blaze of glory; trained women pastors; trained Rick Warren; taught theistic evolution; promoted the Alpha Course).
- Specific endorsement of the book 'The Celestine Prophecy', which is packed with New Age teachings.
- Repeated endorsement of the 700 Club (Pat Robertson, friends with Norman Vincent Peale and Harald Bredesen).
- Repeated endorsement of Oprah Winfrey, who is spiritually misleading millions.
- The author is most probably also a Freemason. In addition to his vast endorsements seen in this book, he also wrote an article for Guideposts, one of the flagship magazines of Freemasonry.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
This book is a perfect illustration for this Bible verse. Serving itching ears who are impressed by reconstructed or emailed fables and feel-good stories by a teacher akin to Freemasonry who twists doctrine for his purposes.
CONS
- The book centers around stories of the rich and famous, which is in stark contrast to the Bible.
- Most anecdotes are either 'reconstructed' from TV and newspaper accounts, or sent per email without any mention of personal verification and interviews (see addendum where the author reveals this).
- Indirect promotion of Freemasonry, with a heavy endorsement of Norman Vincent Peale (Pastor of Marble Collegiate Church; Founder of Guideposts a flagship magazine of Freemasonry; publically known to be a lifelong Mason (33°) ranging all common grades and innumerable accolades; appointed as Grand Prelate by the Knights Templar; author of 'The Power of Positive Thinking'; established a Jungian clinic with Freudian psychiatrist Dr. Smiley Blanton in the basement of his church; New Age and / or occult teachings; Universalism; he ridiculed salvation through IESOUS CHRISTOS: "It's not necessary to be born again. You have your way to G-d, I have mine. I found eternal peace in a Shinto shrine"; he maintained that Jews, Muslims, and other non-Christians worship the true G-d; he received a blessing from Mormon prophet Kimball; he endorsed occultic automatic writing through the 'The Jesus Letters' ...).
- Specific endorsement of Norman Vincent Peale's Marble Collegiate Church (church of the Trump family):
"Arthur Caliandro unfurled an impressive career in the ministry, and for more than two decades, he has been a powerful communicator from the pulpit of the famed Marble Collegiate Church in New York City as the handpicked successor of Dr. Norman Vincent Peale".
- The very first anecdotal account in this book is "given by Crystal Cathedral Sr. Pastor Robert Schuller". Schuller is one of of Norman Vincent Peale's most 'successful' protégés and teaches that there is no need for one to recognize his own personal sin, no need for repentance, and no need for the crucifixion of self, but that self is to be exalted.
- One entire chapter is dedicated to the history of the 'Red Hat Society', an organization officially run outside religious context, but clearly related to Freemasonry.
- Poor theology. Bible passages such as Jer 29:11 are totally taken out of context. Everything in his theology is positive and he tickles the ears of the reader.
- Strange teachings: "So must you. Leave your baggage behind and get onto your life's path, on a quest for your destiny. Your destiny will not come to you. You need to go to it. And this I promise: the godwinks will be there to guide you."
- Endorsement of the Old Covenant tithing, which is an heretical teaching:
"Mary felt gratitude and euphoria the following Sunday when she wrote a check for $5000, fulfilling her 10 percent promise. She slipped it into the offering basket at church, laughing to herself as she wrote at the bottom, 'tithing of unexpected income'."
- Strong emphasis on extrabiblical forms of numerologies, and repeated occurrences e.g. of Friday 13th:
"... Terry awoke on another Friday the thirteenth ... nineteen years after he had been silenced on that so-called unlucky day. G-d winked, and Terry Wallis started speaking again on Friday June 13 ..."
- Endorsement of gambling for a white crucifix cross at carnival:
"... the biggest parade of the year and the arrival of the carnival. Down by the river, a magical mini-village sprang up [...] Then he saw it! A white plastic crucifix that glowed in the dark, hanging on a green ribbon. For some reason, its lure was powerful. [...] Third dime, last try. [...] Tim began walking back home [...] he spotted the treasure ... a shiny dime ... lying on the sidewalk ... he dipped the hook ... and snatched the number-one duck from the odds of the impossible-awarding him the glow-in-the-dark white crucifix on a green ribbon!"
- The false teacher Billy Graham is being honored through an entire chapter lifting up his life (it is no coincidence that he was a great admirer of Norman Vincent Peale; also strong tendency towards universalism, key figure in the ecumenical movement; close collaboration with the Vatican and the Pope; unfriendly takeover of Halley's Bible Handbook and deletion of Jesuit references; advised his friend Nixon to end the Vietnam conflict in a blaze of glory; trained women pastors; trained Rick Warren; taught theistic evolution; promoted the Alpha Course).
- Specific endorsement of the book 'The Celestine Prophecy', which is packed with New Age teachings.
- Repeated endorsement of the 700 Club (Pat Robertson, friends with Norman Vincent Peale and Harald Bredesen).
- Repeated endorsement of Oprah Winfrey, who is spiritually misleading millions.
- The author is most probably also a Freemason. In addition to his vast endorsements seen in this book, he also wrote an article for Guideposts, one of the flagship magazines of Freemasonry.
December 14, 2019
It was too much like a Chicken Noodle Soup For The Soul book for me. I enjoyed the stories and the messages, but I would not have picked this up if it wasn't given to me by a friend. It was nice to read the reassuring stories in a time of doubt.
April 13, 2022
I read this book every year. Great reminder to slow down and remember there is a higher power.
November 23, 2023
honestly would give this book 6 stars if possible. encouraging, uplifting, challenging. literally just the fact i’m reading this book right now is a Godwink.
May 19, 2020
So many Godwinks that have occurred during my life!
June 9, 2024
Heartfelt and uplifting
April 18, 2026
Great reminder of:
Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT
[8] “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. [9] For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT
[8] “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. [9] For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.
December 11, 2021
This was 5+ stars. Really made me think and to look at all those coincidences we experience in a whole new light. How God is speaking to us. Breaks up in 9 chapters. Winks are personal, winks of hope, winks on transitions, winks on comfort, winks on prayer, unanswered prayer, just in time, on family, and winks on quests. With each chapter he then gives all those examples with actual life stories. Gave me goose bumps and some I had tears in my eyes. I plan on going back and revist my own life and see if some "winks" were sent to me. Plan on paying closer attention for sure.
December 14, 2020
Lovely, amazing and uplifting stories that go way beyond normal circumstances. These stories show that God is still working in our lives and has a plan for each of us. It was a wonderful and uplifting. Even if you are not a strong christian, I would recommend this read.
January 29, 2020
Subtitle of Squire Rushnell's book, When God Winks at You is: How God Speaks Directly to You Through the Power of Coincidence. It is a cute, little book with interesting stories, but I do not know that Rushnell made the case that coincidences are God's manner of speaking to people.
I once had a file: C for Coincidences. There were so many of them, I decided to record them. Rushnell suggests looking back on our lives remembering coincidences and how they altered our lives. The ones that I remember, did not have an impact on my life, one way or another.
For instance, my niece and I went to a bar in San Diego. We chatted a man who said he was from New York. We told him we were from New Jersey. He said he was born in New Brunswick, lived in Perth Amboy, NJ. He just told people in California, New York, because they could not place NJ.
I understood that. When I moved to CA, and told people I came from Pennsylvania, they asked questions like, is that near Philadelphia.
In addition to my being born in New Brunswick, I once lived in Fords, NJ, a stones-throw from Perth Amboy. We chatted enough to know the man was being truthful, not changing his story to match ours.
What was God saying to the three of us? Did the interaction change anything in our lives? Why would God arrange for us to randomly meet up?
That is the nature of coincidences in my life.
Author likens God winks to the time when you sat at the table and a parent winked at you, because his grandmother did thus to him, reassuring him that he was loved and protected or something like that.
No parent or grandparent ever winked at me; I would be surprised if any of them knew how to wink. Thus I have no frame of reference for God winks. Was God winking at us that night in a bar in San Diego saying s/he approved of us drinking alcohol and having fun? Perhaps I will explore that notion elsewhere.
I once had a file: C for Coincidences. There were so many of them, I decided to record them. Rushnell suggests looking back on our lives remembering coincidences and how they altered our lives. The ones that I remember, did not have an impact on my life, one way or another.
For instance, my niece and I went to a bar in San Diego. We chatted a man who said he was from New York. We told him we were from New Jersey. He said he was born in New Brunswick, lived in Perth Amboy, NJ. He just told people in California, New York, because they could not place NJ.
I understood that. When I moved to CA, and told people I came from Pennsylvania, they asked questions like, is that near Philadelphia.
In addition to my being born in New Brunswick, I once lived in Fords, NJ, a stones-throw from Perth Amboy. We chatted enough to know the man was being truthful, not changing his story to match ours.
What was God saying to the three of us? Did the interaction change anything in our lives? Why would God arrange for us to randomly meet up?
That is the nature of coincidences in my life.
Author likens God winks to the time when you sat at the table and a parent winked at you, because his grandmother did thus to him, reassuring him that he was loved and protected or something like that.
No parent or grandparent ever winked at me; I would be surprised if any of them knew how to wink. Thus I have no frame of reference for God winks. Was God winking at us that night in a bar in San Diego saying s/he approved of us drinking alcohol and having fun? Perhaps I will explore that notion elsewhere.
February 14, 2021
This book was chock full of heartwarming stories that surpassed coincidence and illuminated the beautiful ways in which God clears a path for amazing things to happen. I would definitely read a follow-up to this!
January 30, 2013
This was a book I had received as a gift. I would have never picked this up myself. I’m not a Christian reader for the most part and this isn’t my normal genre of reading material. And what’s with the super capitalized first name?
Regardless, I sat down and read this book in about a day and enjoyed it quite a bit. It’s like a Chicken Soup for the Soul book only with a different author and a more prayerful theme. It warms your heart and may even remind you that good, serendipitous things do happen in the world.
This book is certainly geared towards Christian readers. However, it’s not preachy. Rushnell does not tell the reader what to do or believe; instead, he shares how many others experienced an event where they felt God was winking at them. He will show the reader a strong argument for prayer. Any reader who has an open mind when it comes to other religion's views won’t find any offence in the religious theme of this motivational book.
If you’ve had a crummy weekend, or just want to read something positive for a change, pick up this quick read.
Regardless, I sat down and read this book in about a day and enjoyed it quite a bit. It’s like a Chicken Soup for the Soul book only with a different author and a more prayerful theme. It warms your heart and may even remind you that good, serendipitous things do happen in the world.
This book is certainly geared towards Christian readers. However, it’s not preachy. Rushnell does not tell the reader what to do or believe; instead, he shares how many others experienced an event where they felt God was winking at them. He will show the reader a strong argument for prayer. Any reader who has an open mind when it comes to other religion's views won’t find any offence in the religious theme of this motivational book.
If you’ve had a crummy weekend, or just want to read something positive for a change, pick up this quick read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 431 reviews