Tuesday, June 30, 2009

What Does Scripture Say about Angelic Protection?

What does the bible say about angels?

Hebrews 13:2 states, "Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels."

Throughout scripture we read about God sending his angelic servants to rescue people in time of need.

One of the most interesting stories of God's angelic protection is found in Acts 12:6-11, which says, On the very night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter, secured by double chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while outside the door guards kept watch on the prison. Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and awakened him saying, "Get up quickly." The chains fell from his wrists. The angel said to him, "Put on your belt and your sandels" He did so. Then he said to him, "Put on your cloak and follow me." So he followed him out, not realizing that what was happening through the angel was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first guard, then the second, and came to the iron gate leading out to the city, which opened for them by itself. They emerged and made their way down an alley, and suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter recovered his senses and said, "Now I know for certain that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people had been expecting."

God is awesome and will provide assistance in time of difficulty through his angels. Prayer is of course essential in order to receive God's divine help.

Please read my own personal testimony (Loci B. Lenar) about the matter in which my family has received aid from Michael the Archangel by visiting the Signs, Wonders, and Miracles website at the following link:
http://www.christian-miracles.com/signsofangels.htm

(Photograph taken at the National Blue Army Shrine, located on the grounds of the World Apostolate of Fatima, USA. The Catholic Shrine is in beautiful Warren County, NJ.)

Copyright 2009 Loci B. Lenar
Christian-Miracles.com

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Sneak Preview of New Fatima Movie

The World of Apostolate of Fatima will hold a Mini Conference on Sunday, June 28, 2009 between 1:00 and 5:30 PM at the National Blue Army Shrine.

Father Paul Ruge will discuss the story of Fatima, while Michael La Corte will talk on miracles. Other events include a sneak preview of the new movie Fatima.

Register at the door or in advance by calling 908-689-1700, extension 10.

The Catholic shrine is located in Warren County at 674 Mountain View Road, Washington, NJ.

For information on the new upcoming Fatima movie, The 13th Day, please visit the following link: http://www.the13thday.com/index.htm

Christian-Miracles.com

Monday, June 22, 2009

Miracle Approved for Newman Beatification

Excerpt of article by Peter Jennings from Independent Catholic News (ICN):

The miracle necessary for the beatification of the Venerable John Henry Cardinal Newman the best-known English churchman in Victorian England, has been approved by the Cardinals of the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints, writes Peter Jennings

Jack Sullivan, aged 70, who lives with his wife Carol in Marshfield, near Boston, Massachusetts, was cured of an extremely serious spinal disorder on 15 August 2001, the Solemnity of the Assumption, after his intense intercession to Cardinal Newman.

The Congregation is now working on the document including a résumé of the life of Cardinal Newman and the miraculous cure attributed to him of Jack Sullivan, a Permanent Deacon from the Archdiocese of Boston.

When completed, this will be taken by the Perfect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Archbishop Angelo Amato, to Pope Benedict XVI who alone has the authority to promulgate the decree.

The Pope, who is taking a personal interest in the Cause, was first introduced to the theology of Cardinal Newman as a young seminary student in Germany in January 1946.

Beatification come from beatus, a Latin word meaning happy, blessed, holy. Beatification is an act by which the Catholic Church, through an official decree by the Pope, permits public veneration under the title Blessed of a dead person whose life is marked by holiness and the heroic practice of the virtues.

This correspondent was able to give the joyful news of the miracle by telephone to Deacon Jack Sullivan at his home on 13 June. Asked for this initial impressions upon receiving the news of the favorable recommendation of the cardinals, he responded by email 24 hours later: "When I first learned of the favorable recommendation of the Cardinals and bishops comprising the congregation for the Causes of Saints, I felt a sense of awe and immense gratitude to God and Cardinal Newman.”

Deacon Sullivan emphasised: "If it wasn't for Cardinal Newman's intercession when experiencing extremely severe spinal problems, it would have been virtually impossible to complete my diaconate formation and be ordained for the Archdiocese of Boston. Nor would I have been able to continue in my chosen profession as a magistrate in our court system to support my family."

He continued: "My fervent desire to give all that I have in my parish ministry at both St Thecla's parish in Pembroke, Massachusetts, and my prison ministry at the House of Correction in Plymouth, Massachusetts, best expresses the intense appreciation I have for God's gift and Cardinal Newman, who directs my efforts."

"I have developed a very real relationship with Cardinal Newman in frequent prayer and I try to pass on what marvelous gifts I have received to those I meet."

"Secondly, when receiving the news, I felt a very deep sense of the reality of God's love for each one of us especially during times of immense difficulties and suffering."

Deacon Sullivan added: "I realise that indeed there is such a thing as the Communion of Saints and a place of perfect peace which God has prepared for each one of us. As the kindly light of truth guided the life of Newman amidst unspeakable challenges in his world, so too I feel the same sense of direction when reflecting on these awesome gifts by realising that God dispenses His favour especially on the lowly and those who are ordinary as beautifully described in our Lady’s praises in her Magnificat."

To read complete article, please visit the following link: Newman Beatification

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Vatican to Investigate Chase Kear Miracle

Is it a miracle that Colwich man survived? Religion Wichita Eagle

Video By Travis Heying

The following excerpt is from a video interview of family members regarding Chase Kear's recovery:

Family and friends of Chase Kear called his recovery from a severe head injury a miracle last year. During his hospitalization, several people prayed to Fr. Emil Kapaun, a Kansas priest who died in a Korean P.O.W. camp. Kapaun is a candidate for Sainthood and now the Vatican is sending a representative to Kansas to investigate Chase's story. To view the inspirational story, please visit the following link: Chase Kear Miracle

Angels, Wonders, and Miracles of Faith Nominated in 2009 for Catholic New Media Awards



Commencing in 2007 and onward, Angels, Wonders, and Miracles of Faith set in motion a campaign to publicize news connected to Christianity and Catholicism with biblical insight. With an increased number of reports related to the miraculous, the blog embarked on broadcasting events in order to create public awareness of signs and wonders arising from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Loci B. Lenar launched the blog because of his own personal growth in the Catholic faith, resulting from a spiritual encounter with the Lord in 1991. The event was life changing and transformed him into a faithful believer of the gospels of Jesus Christ.

Subject matter related to Lenar’s testimony is in several articles, posted on his other website, Signs, Wonders, and Miracles. In 2008, he created the new site as a gathering place for all who are seeking Jesus, especially Christians and Catholics to renew their faith with God through inspirational stories and news of miracles. The site has a selection of prayers that visitors can use in their daily devotions as well.

As our millennium unfolds, Lenar believes that God the Father is calling His people to move forward with Christian unity by awakening church leaders and promoting efforts to instill peace into religious denominations through constructive change. Further information on the issue is noted in Tribute to King: Signs from the Heavenly Kingdom. The spiritual locution from Jesus can be examined and studied by visiting the Signs, Wonders, and Miracles website.

Lenar has shared the locutions with his spiritual advisor, Father Richard Tartaglia of Saint Mary's Church, Denville, NJ.

Regarding God's word, 1Samuel 12:16 states, Now then, stand ready to witness the great marvel the Lord is about to accomplish before your eyes.

In Luke 18:27, Jesus said, “What is impossible for human beings is possible for God.” In unified prayer, all is possible with faith in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Through the power of Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit, he believes that the message of Our Lady of Fatima from her 1917 apparitions in Fatima, Portugal, pertaining to an era of peace, will unfold as well. He believes that Revelation 20:1-3 will come to light with a Thousand-year Reign of God’s Peace. The blog and website will report news related to the topic as events unfold.

Lenar is grateful for Angels, Wonders, and Miracles of Faith being recognized and nominated in 2009 in categories of Most Informative Blog, People’s Choice Blog, and for Best Blog by a Man. His website, Signs, Wonders, and Miracles is nominated as well in categories of Best Catholic News Website and for Best Overall Catholic Website.

Voting continues until June 30, 2009. Please register and cast your votes today for your favorite blog and website at Catholic New Media Awards. Voting results will be available in July.

Thank you very much for your kind support of all the nominees in the 2009 Catholic New Media Awards contest.

(A press release was submitted through Catholic Online)

Copyright 2009 Christian-Miracles.com

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Metuchen Roman Catholic Diocese investigates possible miracle - NJ.com

by Jeff Diamant/The Star-Ledger

The following excerpt is from the article which appeared on NJ.com:

METUCHEN -- The Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen is helping oversee a church investigation into whether a nun being considered for sainthood caused a miracle.

The case involves Mother Mary Angeline Teresa McCrory, who died in 1984 at age 91 and was foundress of the Carmelite Sisters For The Aged And Infirm.

A married couple in New Jersey whose unborn baby was diagnosed with a genetic disorder is claiming prayers to McCrory helped their child, who was born far healthier than expected, said Mother Mark Louis Randall, superior general of the Carmelite order, based in Germantown, N.Y.

She said another member of the order, who is related to the couple, had suggested they pray to McCrory.

Citing privacy reasons, church officials would not identify the family making the miracle claim, except to say the parents live within the boundaries of the Metuchen Diocese, which includes Middlesex, Hunterdon, Warren and Somerset counties. They also would not say when the child was born.

To be canonized, a person must be credited after death with interceding in two miracles. People credited with interceding with one are beatified and given the title "Blessed."

McCrory, born in Ireland in 1891, joined an order called the Little Sisters of the Poor in 1910. She later founded the Carmelite Sisters For The Aged And Infirm, in 1929, in New York. That order now has 198 sisters in seven states and Ireland.

To read complete story, please visit the following link: Mother Mary Angeline Teresa McCrory

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Religious Sightings


Story from NY Daily News:

A bonfire atop Matyska mountain in southern Poland took an auspicious shape in 2007, leading locals to believe it resembled the silhouette of late Pope John Paul II, above left, making a blessing. The picture was taken by amateur photographer Grzegorz Lukasik during a vigil marking the second anniversary of the Polish pope's death.

Credits: AP Photo/Grzegorz Lukasik
Published: 04/27/2009 12:21:36

(The photograph is a reminder of Wisdom 3: 7 and 9, which states, "In time of their visitation, they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble. Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love; Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with the elect.")

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/galleries/religious_sightings/religious_sightings.html#ph3#ixzz0IjMM9UPo&C

Saturday, June 13, 2009

God is Miraculous, but Intelligent

Guest Opinion

By Junior Desouza Ministries

Signs, Wonders, and Miracles. We can't help but love and celebrate them. Our Bible says Yahweh Elohim is a wonder worker, a master of miracles, a specialist in signs (Job 5:9, Dan 6:27, Ps 77:14, Jer 32:20, Mk 16:17, Ac 2:19, Gal 3:5, Eph 3:20,21). He dances at the opportunity to defy natural law and baffle human reason with remarkable demonstrations of power. It pageants His omnipotence, that it might be known "He does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth" (Dan 4:35). Such demonstrations come in different forms, in different seasons, in different quantities, in different geographies, for different reasons. However, the immutable nature of the Unique One has never mutated: He was, is, and is to be miraculous.

This very attribute indicts cessationism as one of the most tragic compromises in the history of the church (I say this with love and respect to my cessationist Christian brothers). At worst, it disregards God's miraculous virtue, at best, it downplays it. We can expect from God what we project onto God. Jesus said, according to our faith will it be done to us (Mt 9:29). Consequently, if we perceive Him to be miraculous only occasionally--and that occasion is, conveniently, the distant past or distant future--then we forfeit a relationship with the miraculous side of our Father. For all practical purposes, a piece of His character has been amputated. Cessationism has failed us.

I am so happy that a faith-filled people relating with the miraculous side of God is resurging. Many are abandoning the God-taming tendencies of cessationism and seeking a fuller, more biblical Christian journey. The same spirit of faith that prevailed in generations past is rousing itself once again. Like Gideon, these God-hunters are asking, "Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about?" (Jud 6:13). Like Habakkuk, they are praying, "LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known" (Hab 3:2). And God is answering them.

These Christians are discontent with intellect-only, information-only Christianity. Certainly cognition plays a crucial role in our spiritual journey, but it is incomplete by, in, and of itself. Are we brains only? Did God make us computers? No. First and foremost we are spiritual beings, craving spiritual realities because eternity has been preprogrammed into our heart's desire (Ecc 3:11).

However, in the same way cessationism has given God's miraculous side the cold shoulder, the signs-n-wonders movement must be careful to not do the same to God's intelligent side. As cessationism snuggles with dry orthodoxy, the signs-n-wonders movement occasionally flirts with strange doctrines and magic show religion. At the end of the day, both extremes injure the beloved body of Christ.

Jesus said Spirit and truth are Siamese twins, and when they remain connected, true worship happens (Jn 4:23,24). The Father requires experience AND education...power AND principle...Spirit AND truth. Spirit without truth is a river with no riverbanks--plant life is flooded and ruined. Truth without Spirit is riverbanks without a river--plant life is little to none. The Father dreams of a powerful riverflow of the Spirit safeguarded by sturdy riverbanks of truth--plant life is maximized and protected.

Purposes of the Miraculous

Why signs and wonders?

Asking why the church needs signs and wonders is equal to asking why the church needs the miraculous side of God, which is equal to asking why the church needs any side of God. Answer: because we cannot attain "the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" unless we "in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ" (Eph 4:13,15). Whole measure, fullness, all things...definitive terms telling us we need all of Christ, every attribute and expression, to mature personally and corporately. We cannot nitpick which aspects of the living Christ we want to relate with based on our personality, upbringing, experience (or lack of), denomination, or dispensational constructs.

The corporate maturity of the church is central to the divine program. Because God's glory is stewarded by the church (Eph 3:21), the knowledge of that glory cannot cover the earth as the waters cover the sea (Hab 2:14, 2Co 4:6) unless the church matures and prevails on the earth. Isaiah 2:2 says the last-days church will be the generation that actualizes this lofty destiny. But how will she do it? One way is through the miraculous side of God. Ecclesiastical institutions, Christian campaigns, and well-organized programs fall short, though they have a dimension of benefit. However, a church regularly demonstrating the Omnipotent One can surpass the mountains of this world so that "the mountain of the LORD's temple is chief among the mountains" (Isa 2:2). Moses understood (Ex 33:15,16): If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here...What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?

Signs, wonders, and miracles are increasing everywhere not because there is a "signs-n-wonders movement" inducing demonstrations, some real, some not. Rather, the Lord Jesus Christ is maturing His church, actualizing His global glory, prevailing over the mountains of this world with the mountain of His temple, all in preparation for His epic return.

Situational purposes

Besides the overarching purpose just mentioned, there are several local, or situational, purposes for the miraculous.

1-Authenticate Jesus as the Messiah. Many scriptures directly state that signs and wonders were used to accredit Jesus of Nazareth as the promised Messiah (Ac 2:22, Jn 2:11, 7:31, 10:24,25, Mt 11:2-5).

2-Authenticate the Word of God. Since God's Word is powerful and life-giving (Heb 1:3, 4:12), the miraculous often happens alongside the faithful, anointed proclamation of it (Mk 16:20, Ac 8:5,6, 14:3, Heb 2:3,4, Ro 15:18,19; Jer 23:28,29, 1Ki 17:22-24).

3-Create saving faith. Some unbelievers can be convinced of salvation through awesome demonstrations of divine power (Jn 20:30,31, 2:11,23, 4:48-53, Ac 13:6-12, 16:25-34, 19:13-20, Rom 15:18,19, 1Co 2:4,5). Some can be convinced through extraordinary wisdom (1Co 1:22). Some will never be convinced regardless (Jn 12:37, Lk 16:31).

4-Reward for faith. At times, miraculous happenings are a heavenly reward for active and ongoing faith (Heb 11:6, Mt 9:29, Mk 9:23, 11:22-24, Jn 14:12-14; Mt 7:7-11).

5-Compassion. God occasionally grants miracles out of pure compassion for people's hardship (Mt 15:32-38, Jn 11:33,38,43,44).

6-Judgment upon enemies. In a punitive sense, the Lord will act miraculously to directly confound, chastise, or defeat His enemies (Deu 6:22, Neh 9:10, Ac 12:21-23, 13:6-11).

Translating Miracles Into Maturity

Moves, Movements, & Maturation

Corporate maturity. This is why God "moves". This is why He initiates "movements". To supply a missing or struggling element of the church, an element necessary to progress the church to greater maturity (1Th 3:10, Ro 1:11). Genuine moves of God are not spiritual fads, celebrity opportunities, or a business-like Christian innovation. All genuine moves of God are motivated by this purpose in Ephesians 4:12,13: ... so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Corporate maturity.

If the human stewards of a divine move do not fully embrace and enforce this intention, sadly, the move eventually dissipates. God then schedules another move, in another season, with the same intention. This cycle will repeat itself until the move has been successfully integrated into the true, cross-denominational church, and a new level of corporate maturity has been reached. For example, the Protestant Reformation brought about a tremendous move of the Spirit concerning salvation by grace through faith alone. We have not seen any more significant moves along these lines because the corporate church, for the most part, is established and mature in this area. Every move of God, then, must be successfully integrated into the church for corporate maturation.

The signs-n-wonders movement is no different. If we become inebriated by the miraculous, we will ignore our sober responsibility of integrating the move into the larger Christian spirituality. How heartbreaking would it be to see the move become a fossil, a hardened story of a once-living organism that died back-when and back-then? The Lord is gracious and patient, waiting, watching, and continuing to move in the hopes that His human instruments will translate the movement into broader maturity. This is done through spiritual education.

Thunder & Lightning...but No Rain

Spiritual Education

Generally speaking, signs and wonders are not the basic tools of spiritual growth, development, and education. Rather, they ignite the faith, desire, interest, and enthusiasm necessary for a commitment to growth. Miracles do not teach you how to pray, feed on Scripture, love a difficult person, forgive your oppressor, manage your money, overcome certain habits, discover your calling, learn the Lord's voice, and so on. Sure, the Lord might give a miracle in one of these areas, imparting a significant amount of know-how in a short amount of time. But this is not typical kingdom protocol. When it comes to spiritual education, the Lord has appointed other gifts and functions to shoulder the task.

At soccer practice some time ago, the sky overhead grew dark with a looming thunderstorm. As practice continued, the thunder got louder and longer, the lightning brighter and more frequent. It got our attention; practice had to stop for awhile. As I stood under a tree, slightly fearful of the awesome power the weather was demonstrating, and frustrated that my practice was interrupted, the Lord said to me, "Stay here. I have something to show you."

The thunder and lightning kept intensifying, but the rain wouldn't come. Thunder and lightning...but no rain. The Spirit prompted my eyes to notice the lush green grass, the flourishing trees, and all the healthy plants and vegetation surrounding the park. The scene made sense: What makes the grass, trees, and plants grow is the rain. It could thunder and lightning all day, but if there is no rain, nothing grows. If we demonstrate signs and wonders, but undervalue or neglect the teaching and education of the people, they will never mature in Christ. They will be sign-n-wonders junkies, but spiritually immature, ignorant, and imbalanced. Eventually they'll become easy prey for the enemy, strange doctrines, false leaders, and other dangerous elements. Yes, they need thunder and lightning to get their attention and "stop their practice", but then they need rain to make them grow and mature.

In Scripture, rain is sometimes used as a symbol for biblical education and equipping. Moses uses the imagery exactly as I experienced that stormy day at the park, Deuteronomy 32:2: Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. How exact and how awesome! Isaiah 55:10,11,13 say the same about God's Word: As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth... Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. In the language of John 4:23,24, if we have miracles but little to no spiritual intelligence, we are lopsided toward Spirit but wanting for truth. As Jesus said, true worship happens only when both Spirit and truth are honored in approaching the Father.

Leaders, let us not be that one spoken of in Proverbs 25:14: Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give. Do not withhold the gift of spiritual education.

Life After the Miracle

Where do we go from here?

Life goes on after the miracle. No matter how glorious the miraculous might have been, we still have daily lives to live. If we never learn to succeed in daily life, the glories of a mighty miracle will be overshadowed by the embarrassments of a defeated life. The solution? Facilitate the miraculous, but focus on spiritual education.

Shepherds: shepherd the flock

Scripture uses three terms to identify local church shepherds: pastors, elders, and overseers (bishops). All three designations are synonymous, as Acts 20:17,28 and 1Peter 5:1,2 show. Local churches are to have a plurality of these shepherds (Ac 14:23, 1Ti 4:14, Tit 1:5).

Shepherds need to be diligent and do just that--shepherd. Paul says to the elders at Ephesus (Ac 20:17,28): Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.

Leaders, we must not neglect visiting our people in their homes, calling them, healing their wounds, praying with them, developing in them a biblical worldview, helping them process life by the Spirit, nurturing them into spiritual intelligence and success. Manifesting miracles without diligent pastoral guidance is like giving a Ferrari to a 7-year old.

Teaching: teach carefully and correctly

The gift of teaching (Ro 12:6, 1Co 12:28, Eph 4:11) is the supernatural ability to explain and apply Scripture effectively. Paul told Timothy not to neglect his teaching gift (1Ti 4:14), but to devote himself to the public reading, preaching, and teaching of Scripture (v13), with great patience and careful instruction (2Ti 4:2). Much of what is called "teaching and preaching" in today's popular Christianity is simply a hodgepodge of hype, faddism, basic encouragement, and a few scriptures. This is rhetoric, not teaching.

Genuine teaching that spiritually educates means interpreting Scripture responsibly, communicating it clearly, and applying it relevantly. It means consecrating time and energy to biblical studies, depending on the Spirit to give meaningful illuminations into what is studied. The miraculous would be the candy bars and ice cream of the kingdom; teaching, the meat and potatoes.

Paul said not to be ignorant or uninformed about spiritual gifts (1Co 12:1), and the psalmist said the works of the Lord are to be "studied" (Ps 111:2 NKJV). If Christians can better understand thorough biblical truth concerning the miraculous, the lure to become a sign-n-wonders junkie is weakened (Mk 8:12), and even more so, the possibility of being deceived and derailed (Mt 24:24).

Wisdom: counsel the entire person

The gift of word of wisdom (1Co 12:8) is the supernatural ability to reason skillfully and produce ideal, practical counsel for decision-making and problem-solving (1Co 6:5). (Some scriptures on the age-old wisdom/counsel relationship: 1Chr 26:14, Job 12:13, Jer 18:18, 49:7). This gift is often present among effective Christian counselors and effective pastors.

Why would God juxtapose the Spirit of counsel and the Spirit of power in Isaiah 11:2? Because excellent, Spirit-led advice is equal to an awesome demonstration of God's power! Yes, the people need the Spirit of power, and equally so they need the Spirit of counsel to help them find emotional freedom, mental soundness, physical wellness, relational fulfillment, vocational destiny, and financial capability.

Non-leaders

Do not wait to be spiritually educated. Educate yourself. Study your Bible diligently, read books, ask questions, pray for heavenly intelligence. There is a promise beckoning you in Proverbs 2:1-6.



Friday, June 12, 2009

A World in Peace with God's Love




The above contemporary icon is a three panel painting depicting a world of violence and suffering, followed by a future of hope and peace. The interesting design is crafted from a medievel triptych by artist Don Kuhn of Millington, NJ. The attention-grabbing artwork is actually displayed in horizontal order inside the Catholic church at the Shrine of Saint Joseph, located on Long Hill Road, Sterling, NJ.

From the bottom up, the icon illustrates a timeline of the world engulfed in hostility, war, violence, and chaos. As you approach the top, emerging on the right is a glimpse of God's light with a field of lilies, a future of possibilities with hope and peace as in Christ's resurrection. A new creation.

What world would you prefer to live in? A world of chaos or a world transformed and resurrected into the likeness of Jesus Christ?

In order to create positive change, nations and leaders must make a concerted effort to achieve mutual respect for human life, regardless of an individuals ethnic background and race or nationality. A world united with respect for one another is a world connected and living in God's peace.

For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.
(1 Corinthians 14:33)

In John 13:34, Jesus said, "I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Jesus also said, "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:44)

My sincere hope is for God's blessing and grace to enfold humankind with love, respect, and peace.

Photo Copyright 2009 Loci B. Lenar

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Israeli Christians: Oil-streaked icon 'miracle'


The following excerpt is from the Associated Press, written by Joseph Marks:

A Greek Orthodox nun looks at a painting of St. George, at a church in Ramle, central Israel, Tuesday, June 9, 2009.

Christians have been flocking to this heavily Muslim suburb of Tel Aviv for two days to see what local Christians are calling a miracle, streaks of what looks like oil mysteriously dripping down an icon of St. George, at a Greek Orthodox church named for the 3rd century saint.

El-Edam, 47, said she was convinced the streaks were a miracle in part because of a strange smell emanating from the icon. She said it reminded her of her visit as a teenager to the site of a miracle in Ermysh, Lebanon. There, she said, the odor came from a recently deceased woman whose Christian faith was legendary.

"It's a special, holy smell," she said. "It's not ordinary, like olive oil. It's something strange that comes from God."

The Greek Orthodox patriarch inspected the painting Sunday, el-Edam said, and the church has sent a sample of the oil to a laboratory.

Father Nifon said the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate had asked him not to speak publicly or to answer questions about the streaks, so that believers could draw their own conclusions.

"People these days, they've forgot God and this is a sign to tell them, 'I'm still here,' said Edith Fanous, 31, who works for a local trucking company and said she has been attending St. George's since she was a little girl.

Fanous said she was singing in the church choir when the oil streaks appeared Sunday. She guessed as many as 1,000 visitors had been to the church since then. She dismissed the idea that the streaks could just be paint running on a hot day.

"This icon is 114 years old," she said. "It passed through so much weather, hot and cold. And now that we have air conditioning in the church it's started to melt? I don't think so."

Kosty Tannous, 33, an Israeli customs worker, said he thought the streaks may have appeared now because God sees trouble in Israeli society.

"There's war and discrimination," he said. "I see a lot of discrimination against Arabs here in Israel, and maybe this is a good lesson for everybody to love each other and live with each other with equal rights."

For additional information and photos, please visit the following link: Icon Miracle

Monday, June 08, 2009

Hall of Candles and Saints


Regarding saints and their intercessory help from heaven, Sirach 46:13 and 20 states, Beloved of his people, dear to his maker, dedicated from his mother's womb, Consecrated to the Lord as a prophet, was Samuel, the judge and priest. At God's word he established the Kingdom and anointed princes to rule the people. Even when he lay buried, his guidance was sought; he made known the King his fate, And from the grave he raised his voice as a prophet, to put an end to wickedness.

Wisdom 3: 7 and 9 states, In time of their visitation, they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble. Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love; Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with the elect.

How do you pray for intercessory help through a saint?

One method is to pray a novena for 9 successive days as a private devotion. A novena can also be prayed once a week for 9 consecutive weeks. A novena is a prayer used to petition God for a specific need.

In the Catholic Church, it’s a common practice to pray for intercessory help through a particular saint. The saint intercedes on an individuals behalf before the throne of God. Through faith we believe that God answers our requests through the saint's intercession.

For additional information on praying a novena, please visit the following link: http://www.mycatholictradition.com/

For information on praying to a saint, please visit the following link:

Displayed from the right are Saint Jude, Saint Therese, and Saint Anthony.

During a recent visit to the Shrine of Saint Joseph, I made an offering for a candle to be lit for seven days on behalf of world peace and Christian Unity. Please join in prayer for the Lord to intervene in our world and change the course of history into an era of peace with unity. Thank you very much for the prayer support.

The Catholic shrine is located on 1050 Long Hill Road, Stirling, NJ, USA.

Copyright 2009 Loci B. Lenar

Sunday, June 07, 2009

October 18th a Day to Pray for Life and Peace


The World Apostolate of Fatima and the Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Located on Mountain View Road in Washington, NJ, will hold on October 18, 2009, a special day of prayer for the sanctity of life and peace. The event will be televised by EWTN from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Scheduled guests include Reverend Clement J. Machado, Reverend Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R., Tony Melendez - Christian Singer, Joe DeVito - Artist and Sculptor of the Mary, Mother of the Life Within Statue, and MC and Special Guest Diana von Glahn.

Psalm 127:3 states, "Children too are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb, a reward."

I am reminded of Psalm 139:13-16, which says, "You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb. I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you knew; my bones were not hidden from you, When I was being made in secret, fashioned as in the depths of the earth. Your eyes foresaw my actions; in your book all are written down; my days were shaped, before one came to be."

Please join in prayer for the Lord's blessing and mercy to enfold humanity and the unborn with God's grace for respect and love of life including world peace. Thank you very much for the kind prayer support.

The Pray for Life and Peace poster was displayed recently at the National Blue Army Shrine. The poster was photographed during my visit.

Photo Copyright 2009 Loci B. Lenar

Catholic New Media Awards

Monday, June 01, 2009

Saint Bernadette's Incorrupt Body a Sign from God


Excerpt from Wikipedia regarding Saint Bernadette:

Bernadette Soubirous - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Saint Bernadette (born Maria-Bernada Sobirós (Marie-Bernarde Soubirous)); January 7, 1844 – April 16, 1879), was a miller's daughter from the town of Lourdes in southern France. From February 11 to July 16, 1858, she reported 18 apparitions of 'a small young lady.' Despite initial skepticism from the Roman Catholic Church, these claims were eventually declared to be worthy of belief after a canonical investigation, and the apparition is known as Our Lady of Lourdes. After her death, Bernadette's body reportedly remained incorrupt, and the shrine at Lourdes went on to become a major site for pilgrimage, attracting millions of Catholics each year. On December 8, 1933, she was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church; her Feast Day is celebrated on April 16."

Excerpt from CatholicPilgrims.com :

A crystal coffin was made for Saint Bernadette's body. She was placed in a chapel in the Church of St. Gildard at the convent in Nevers where she lived for thirteen years. She has remained undisturbed and on view in this chapel since August 3, 1925. The Sisters of Charity and Christian Instruction at Nevers are not secretive about the body of St. Bernadette. They welcome visitors, and encourage learning about the life example and messages of their sister saint.

For other news regarding signs, wonders and miracles, please visit Christian-Miracles.com