Luke Believes

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION LIST JUST IN !

2009-01-02T19:53:00.000-08:00

Ok...So here we are once again! First of...i want to apologize for two things right away: Not posting on this blog for quite sometime...and all the grammar mistakes I'll probably make writing this post! Now...let's move on.

Ooook...what a better opportunity than a new year's resolution list to write a "come back" post?
For the past 4 years in a row...I've been writing them and posting it on some of my blogs...so this time is no different! I've had many resolutions...most achieved, some not...some meaningful, some just plain "cliché"(2004: "I want to be in the best shape ever") none the less...here we are again!
I have one resolution this year...and it's probably the hardest one so far...if not EVER! (Drum roll please...) "...and the resolution iiiiis: TO OBEY"!

Yes...you read it right! I have one new year's resolution...I want to obey my Lord and savior Jesus Christ! Now...you know how hard that is?! I'll tell you what...recently, I've noticed that most of my prayers, requests and so on...have already been answered! All I needed to do was OBEY! "Please Lord, I don't want to do this!" or "Please Lord...take this away from me"...THEY HAD ALL BEEN ANSWERED! All I needed was to obey...and that's when the problem comes in!
As a human being...our flesh, will, feelings, soul...etc... doen't want to do what GOD wants for many reasons; "it hurts" , "it's not pleasent", bla bla bla bla...but at the end of the day, THAT IS the solution! It seems like I've been writing in circles and repeating myself throughout this whole paragraph...but I can't stress enough..how much life would've been easier if all I had done was obeyed the Lord's voice, or do HIS will and not mine! Weeeeell...on a good side, I'll tell you what: I've OBEYED before!!! Yes...I've done it! I'll tell you...sometimes it's easy, sometimes it huuuurts...but, at all times...there's no better feeling in having peace and knowing that the "best driver in the world is in control of the car" (destiny) (yeees, if you didn't know...I'm corny with my metaphors!). A great example is our man Abraham...whom obeyed by leaving everything behind and going to a place he didn't even know, or Joshua...waiting on the Lord, or humn...Jesus Christ himself, by dying for me and you! Great things happen when we do what the Lord wants and for that... obeying is key! Soooo...there you go! That's my only new year's resolution! If you are reading this...support me in prayer...as I'll do the same for you if you don't mind dropping me an email just so I know your name, nickname, etc....

Once again, I apologize for the mistakes...since I'm writing this as it the words are coming to mind!

God Bless and I wish you all and OBEDIENT 2009!

Lucas Penido.

...

2008-07-12T23:18:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Dana Congdon, suggested to me and some of my friends (I actually call them brothers and sisters...), that we read biographies from some well known christians...you know, people that've had a call to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ; As a matter of fact, you might actually know some of them...people like C.S Lewis, CT Studd, Charles Spurgeon...(no...they don't all start with the letter "C") and my favorite...Oswald Chambers. Now...why is Oswald Chambers my favorite?! Is it because, as a child...I would never forget the image of my father on his knees (in the morning) praying...with a copy of "My Utmost for HIS highest" next to him? Is it because Oswald Chambers had such a revelation...and was bold enough to simplify alot of the things I had doubts about..by the way, here in NY we call that an "stand up guy"? Is it even...because a week after Dana said that...I got "Mr. Chambers" biography as a gift from my sister...and since I don't believe in coincidence, you know....? Well...as you probably guessed, all of the above! So today, I finished talking to a friend and tried to go to sleep...hummnnn...sleep...let's just say that after 17 yrs, I am insomnia free (and that's a miracle!), however today...It's not that I couldn't sleep... but the fact was... the Lord wanted me to read something, and the graphic i quiclky made, yes..the one you see posted as a picture, was it! This sentence pierced my heart in such a way you have no Idea! Oswald Chambers said those words..."I don't care what God does, It's what God is that I care about"...to his wife, as he was fighting for his life in a hospital bed. Seriously...who am I to say anything else to the Lord, besides THANK YOU and HALLELUJAH! "Obvious Time" is officially in session! We live in a great country! We got friends, food in our table, peace, money, love, and most importantly...JESUS...yet we complain! Lord please...give us the faith, boldness and heart for you...to just like your servant, not care so much about what you'll do...after all you know, you have a pretty nice record of keeping your promises...but help us to focus on what YOU are. To finish...I'll quaote your other servant Martin Smith, from the group Delirious when he says..." Save me! Save me! From the kingdom of comfort where I am king....To this kingdom of heaven where YOU are king! God Bless, Lucas Penido.

COOLNESS IS A PERSON! (And it's not me)

2008-07-11T21:11:00.000-07:00

Wow...haven't been here in a minute! Sometimes I pinch myself, "Lord, do I deserve it all?". Obviously, not. What would it be of me (us) if it wasn't for HIS grace? It's so funny that now, since all eyes are on me, I got to watch what I say...or how I say things; However, with my Abba Father, is different. Very different, I can just pour my heart out and say whatever is on my mind. You know, this my sound obvious to whoever that's reading this blog , but I've been through times in my life, that I felt my sins were soooo huge that I was very ashamed of what to tell my Lord, and that led to a long period of no direct communication.

I just found out this past week that I am what you would label, a "subjective" person. You know...like I mentioned above, it's pretty hard for me sometimes to believe that the Lord's work is done. Period. Like I said, sometimes I felt my sins were so above anything that was "forgivable". Oh...but that's another new area in my life! I AM FREE! Seriously, you know how that feels???? Well...now I do! (Try to follow my thoughts, cause I'm writing as I think)...Once you accept the Lord Jesus Christ, as your savior and you know he died that terrible death for you...than, it's done! When God looks at you, he sees the blood of HIS son, not your sins!!! I am trying to be as most straight foward as I can, for one reason only...I know that lots of people now, check this blog, because of my work and what I do....HOWEVER... I can't stress enough, that You might see me in magazines, and you might hear about me here and there, but honestly...THE BIGGEST TREASURE IN MY LIFE IS JESUS CHRIST. Yes! The "cool" guy you see on the magazines and hear about, LOVES JESUS! You think is corny? Well...I respect your opinion, but I'd love for you to try and see what that TRUE COOLNESS is peace! COOLNESS is knowing someone has done the work of taking all your sins away! COOLNESS is not the material things you have in this life, but the ETERNAL THINGS YOU'LL HAVE FOREVER! COOLNESS IS A PERSON...AND THAT PERSON IS JESUS CHRIST! Want to try coolness? Talk to HIM like you would talk to a friend, no need to calculate your words..after all, He already knows what's inside your heart! Try it...and then send me an email letting me know how it has affected your life! THE COOLEST GUY IN THE WORLD, aka JESUS CHRIST....LOVES YOU! God Bless, Lucas Penido.

THANK YOU LORD!

2008-06-07T08:07:00.000-07:00

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; Ephesians 3:8

DOUBT

2008-06-03T16:48:00.000-07:00

So...sometimes, well...actually, alot of times...I go through moments of doubt. All kinds of doubts...it all depends on what I'm going through.
Lately...they all have to do with work. No...thank God, is not a lack of work...but It's what to choose?!!!! See...if you're like me, and your faith in Jesus goes along with everything you do, then...sometimes, not being "syncronized" can really mess things up. Let me be a bit more specific...sometimes i get caught in my work, my daily activities, myself, whatever...and I am not in sync with the Spirit...so when a certain option, presents itself to me...or in my case, many options, present themselves to me...it's harder to make a choice. HOWEVER....the Lord raises people that i believe, through revelation...have a better understanding of certain issues. Like..in this case, Mr. Oswald Chambers. Last night, I decided to read something before i went to bed...but something i could meditate on...and so I read todays devotional. I highly suggest that you check it out...obviously, it deals with doubt (among other things)...and trust me, it made a few things clearer to me, and I hope that if you're going through the same thing, it can make things clearer to you as well. In Christ....Lucas Penido.

"The Secret of the Lord" by Oswald Chambers

The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him . . . —Psalm 25:14

What is the sign of a friend? Is it that he tells you his secret sorrows? No, it is that he tells you his secret joys. Many people will confide their secret sorrows to you, but the final mark of intimacy is when they share their secret joys with you. Have we ever let God tell us any of His joys? Or are we continually telling God our secrets, leaving Him no time to talk to us? At the beginning of our Christian life we are full of requests to God. But then we find that God wants to get us into an intimate relationship with Himself— to get us in touch with His purposes. Are we so intimately united to Jesus Christ’s idea of prayer— "Your will be done" ( Matthew 6:10 )— that we catch the secrets of God? What makes God so dear to us is not so much His big blessings to us, but the tiny things, because they show His amazing intimacy with us— He knows every detail of each of our individual lives.
"Him shall He teach in the way He chooses" ( Psalm 25:12 ). At first, we want the awareness of being guided by God. But then as we grow spiritually, we live so fully aware of God that we do not even need to ask what His will is, because the thought of choosing another way will never occur to us. If we are saved and sanctified, God guides us by our everyday choices. And if we are about to choose what He does not want, He will give us a sense of doubt or restraint, which we must heed. Whenever there is doubt, stop at once. Never try to reason it out, saying, "I wonder why I shouldn’t do this?" God instructs us in what we choose; that is, He actually guides our common sense. And when we yield to His teachings and guidance, we no longer hinder His Spirit by continually asking, "Now, Lord, what is Your will?"

Wow!

2008-05-08T09:41:00.001-07:00

Saw this on youtube and had to post it...
May this always be my prayer.
"...What do I have If I don't have you Jesus???"

Impossible is nothing...HOW GREAT THOU ART

2008-05-01T11:39:00.001-07:00

When I go trhough any problems or anything in general that seems "impossible", this song reminds me that...I believe in the same God that opened a sea for the Israelites to go across. There's a sneakers commercial that says..."Impossible is nothing", that should've been about my God; I don't know if it's your first time checking out this blog, I don't know if the billionth...but i got a question...Who's your trust on? Many of you get to this blog because of my other fashion site, so I got this to say to you... If you believe my opinion when you go get your next pair of sneakers, if you believe my opinion when I say "what's the next hottest item" then..there's no other opinion greater than the one I'll share with you right now...and that is, Believe in Jesus and experience for yourself...How great HE is; Impossible is nothing. God Bless, Lucas Penido.

Strength Of My Life

2008-04-14T16:18:00.001-07:00

This is a great song by P.O.D based on Psalm 27. It's such a powerful song with a very strong powerful message and was recorded together with Matisyahu,, whose a jew. Actually..Matisyahu chose this Psalm and it was only going to be an interlude on the cd...but it came out so good that they decided to make a song out of it. Bottom line is...I was looking for a song to post here and chose this video, in which you can actually read the words to the song! I hope you enjoy it! God Bless, L.P

Every Soul...

2008-04-10T23:20:00.000-07:00

This is a song that spoke deeply to my heart, titled "How Sweet The Name" by Delirious. It's so simple yet so powerful! Thank You Lord...for your unconditional love. My soul has a savior! God Bless, Lucas Penido. (*ps. Click here to download the song)

FEAR

2008-04-03T18:30:00.000-07:00

I'm realizing now, that the number one thing that has kept me from growing in my spiritual life, without a doubt wasn't even sin. It was fear. Fear of consequences, fear in form of doubt (ex: "Am I worthy?"), fear of capability (to accomplish something), fear...fear..fear.

There's a song by Jars of Clay, which I'm listening to it right now; it's called "Much Affraid" and it pretty much talks about that. There's a verse in it that says..."...All of these things/ I've held up in vain, No reason nor rhyme/Just the scars that remain/Of all of these things/Im so much afraid/Scared out of my mind/By the demons Ive made..". If you have ever gone through fear, you know that the verse I just typed summarizes that feeling. However like brother Watchman Nee wrote in one of his books, the whole battle is "fought" in our minds and without a doubt, the enemy knows that fear is his ak-47! Let me be short today, but let me say something...I'm declaring out loud that I'm through with that! Yes, fear might come once in a while but I'm not going to let that hold me from stepping up and letting the Lord use me in whatever HE wants. Tell you why not...because I have much more to gain than to lose, even if I make mistakes...what I have to gain by stepping up is much bigger, much more. the Lord says in 2nd Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." Enough said! Let me finish just by saying...you know what I love about the song I mentioned in the beggining? that at the end, after stating all his thoughts and fears...he says..."Sweet Jesus, YOU'll never let me go!" You might be reading this blog for the first or the billionth time...bottom line is...He'll never let you go if you come to him. Pray for me as I'll do the same for you, all you got to do is holla! God Bless, Lucas Penido.

I'm Luke Skywalker...

2008-04-01T19:17:00.000-07:00

I made a few serious decisions in my life this week, one of them being that no matter what it takes...I'm going to prioritize my spiritual life. (By the way, I'm already going to apologise for all the mispelling, my settings are in portuguese due to "The Hype BR" and I really don't want spell check, instead I want to write what's on my heart). Sometimes I want to come in here and write. however, it's not everyday that something "supernatural" happens (or at least is noticed) and I just don't want to come in here and bla bla bla bla bla... Tell you what, today on my devotional...I read something that deeply touched me! I knew I was meant to read that! Why? Humn...Well, it just answers so much right now. (I'm actually re-reading it right now, and I think the whole chapter would fit) but the one verse that really stuck with me is something that should be obvious but maybe because it's in the Bible it makes so much more sense and it just goes straight to the heart..well, that verse was 1st Timothy 6:7..which says "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out". I mean...how many times have I said that among friends or in the middle of a conversation, etc...but do we truly believe that? ...and if so, do we act like we do? The Enemy is very subtle and when I think I've "mastered" on something...I realize, it's only by the the grace of my Lord Jesus Christ that I can truly do anything...especially as a young adult leaving in a world full of things that tell syou that "..You are only as important as what you have, who you are, etc..."

Forget that! I'm goning to tell you something straight up! Enough with the "glitter"! Hey, no disrespect to all my fans and people that read "The Hype Br" but my walk with my Lord needs to be my priority and if that means carrying my cross which could come in so many different ways...then, that's what I'm willing to do! I love what I do...but the Lord has been speaking so much to me lately on how my blessings have turned into a distraction and how they have opened a door/gap/whole..whatever you want to call..for the enemy to come in. Tell you what, listen/read closesly now: I'm all about Galatians 2:20...I'm crucified! I don't have the strenght to do alot but I got a father that does...and HE promised me all I gotta do is trust. I've been to both sides and I'm Luke Skywalker...I don't belong in the dark side. Fact! Pray for me as I'll do the same for you...may all i do, all my talent, whatever...be used for the glory of my Lord and only savior JESUS. God Bless, Lucas Penido. (To the sound of André Valadão...I've heard this song 44 times in the past 24 hours..it's called "I can't see you" and the chorus goes like "I Can't See you but I just know/ You are the "I AM"/Can't see you but I know Who you are...Alpha and Omega."

The Good vs The Best

2008-03-26T00:16:00.000-07:00

Haven't posted in a "minute". Life's been so crazy this past couple of months with all the traveling, the store, the blog, the projects...etc...and It's really hard to focus and prioritize what really matters sometimes. All that really matters if I get down to it, or at least what should be #1 is my spiritual life. All the glitter, the work, the "this and that" is secondary...if not irrelevant! But once again...it's pretty hard not to let those things "pile up" and next thing you see, you're lost at sea again or at least...far from the target. Two brothers though, in different occasions shared something with me and for some reason...short, straight to the point sentences have way more impact in me than you know...a loooong "breaking down the points" talk. I guess the spirit testifies ...well..I'm sure the spirit testifies..and they said...something along these lines..."blessings usually turn out to be distractions, but His grace is greater"...hey, blessings do turn out to distraction????? That's me 100%! I feel like almost every blessing in my life has in a way or another taken more than sometimes they should...however, Our Lord's grace always comes to the rescue and keeps me grounded even if sometimes i gotta go through things I really didn't need to. However this other brother said something only 2 days ago that really stuck with me...he said "Don't let the good get in the way of the BEST"...hey, that's all I needed to hear. I pray that the Lord gives me the same strength he gave Joseph to escape Pharaoh's wife however...I need to seek as much as Joseph did. Nothing comes for free and there's no shortcuts in our walk with Christ. Anyways...it's 03:30 in the morning but I just felt like coming in here and saying.."Hello"! Keep me in your prayers as I will do the same...(just drop me an email saying your name or whatever so I know who to pray about)! God Bless, Lucas Penido.

OMIKASE STYLE

2008-02-18T21:16:00.000-08:00

So...I was asked at an interview for this really cool blog this past week about my life as a Believer. The interviewer asked: "So...everybody knows you as the owner of one of the most famous fashion websites in Brazil...but I googled your name and found that you also have a blog that expresses your faith, who did you write that for?". So many people that read The Hype BR have also found this blog right here, however...it was the first time that I was going to talk about it in a public way. My answer was..."Pretty much, I don't like religion...religion messes things up...however, I love Jesus and Jesus loves everyone who seeks him. "Luke Believes" expresses this aspect of my life. I didn't create it or write it for anyone in particular...I write it for anyone who's wants to read it." Well...was my answer good or bad?! Who cares... that's in my opinion secondary...however, It was crazy being sort of put against the wall for the first time because of my faith...and that's when i was like..."Wow...hey, I really have a serious responsibility here." The Lord has blessed me soooooooo much this past year, especially also coming from a year (2006) that was probably the worst one in my life and then...HE gives me this huge oportunity to not only get back on my feet but to also tell others about what and in Who I believe in. It's truly amazing! Today...I went to a Bible Study and my friend Elby gave a really good analogy of the "Omikase Style" of eating . Omikase Style, which I have only done a couple of times...is when you allow the chef to serve you whatever he wants; Mainly because you trust him so much or you believe He's that good...that you know whatever he gives you will be great. That touched me deeply because that's how we should trust our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I personally struggled for years with that...trusting that what HE had prepared for me was THE BEST. I always felt like..."Hey, what if HE has something for me I don't really like, etc..." but I recently found that not only HE has the best...but also HE doesn't play with our feelings, He is not here to joke around...HE wants the best for us (Psalms 37: 5-6) and will prepare us somehow, emotionally, phisically, however...to go through what HE has instore for us . Yes...it could be a bit scary but I wouldn't want it any different. I always used to compare my spiritual life to a "Rollecoaster" now...I would compare it to a road with a few bumps along the way (John 16:33). The Lord has really come through as ALWAYS and when I realized all I had to do was trust????!!! It almost upsets me..haha..Why didn't I do it before?! Ok...such a cliché question but so true!. That being said...I must say that, trusting in the Lord might be a life long learning experience but honestly...Who else is also ready for that "Omikase style" spiritual cuisine? God Bless, Lucas Penido.

SEEN ANY FROGS LATELY?

2008-02-10T09:39:00.000-08:00

I have been extremelly busy latelly and I thought I didn't want to "post just for posting"...so I was really waiting on something that spoke deeply to my heart and yesterday I received this email..it's a devotional written by Dana Congdon. Check it out and see if it also speaks to your heart:

Feb. 9 Exodus 7:14-9:35 Matt. 24:32-51Exodus 9:35

"So Pharaoh's heart hardened, and he did not let the children of Israel go,just as Jehovah had spoken through Moses."It is hard to believe that someone could be so hard hearted. Pharaoh now has defied Jehovah nine times and the cost is getting greater each time.

Is it possible that people today could be so hard?It seems that man learns to adjust to curses, wraths, plagues and judgments because there is just no rational reason for them except bad Karma, lousy luck or "that's life".

What does it take for God to get the heart's attention? When these plagues are matched up with the final events in Revelation we see men well into the great tribulation and still hardened of heart and full of rationalizations.

But then there are those who fear Jehovah. And just his slight displeasure causes pain. And their consciences have been sensitized by the Light of fellowship until they at times suffer from over-sensitivity.

Such dear ones are kept in the eye of the storm as when the crops and the cattle of Goshen were preserved through the plagues.And what would the difference be that marks the 'sensitive ones'? Mainly this, that they heard the Word before it happened and BELIEVED and were consequently readied and sheltered. Moses had spoken the whole thing step by step before each stage happened. The end times cause little fear to those who are prepared and provided for by believing the Word.

Seen any frogs lately?

-Danda Congdon

Dupla Honra

2007-12-22T02:02:00.001-08:00

This song means so much to me and The Lord used it and still uses it in a big way in my life..."Dupla Honra" means "Double Honor" in Portuguese and the chorus of this song says: "...It's you Lord, who divides waters, establish kings and also all makes them fall...who inclines from heaven just to hear my voice, Restores my soul when I think about giving up...and because I am attached to you, for every day of shame...Double Honor." May this words really find a place in our hearts. God Bless, Lucas Penido.

I'm a Christ Follower (Mac vs. PC Parody) Part 02

2007-12-20T21:49:00.001-08:00

haha..posted the first part a long time ago, here is part 02. Hey...I'm not trying to be a legalist but this is still pretty funny! God Bless, L.P

In Christ alone...

2007-12-20T10:21:00.000-08:00

So...during my devotional this morning, I read "My utmost for his highest" and what called my attention the most was that a book that was written almost 100 yrs ago (and has been continuosly in print since 1935) is still so relevant...this is what Brother Chambers said on todays reading:
"..The theme of the world’s religion today is to serve in a pleasant, non-confrontational manner." Wow...are you sure he's still not alive?! That deeply touches me because, yes, I've heard brothers and sisters talking about really hiding the Cross of Jesus and really saying that "hey...its all about love and almost no consequences." but to hear (read) that from someone some almost 100 yrs ago?! Now...something that touched me even more is how he puts a thought into perspective, he says "..If you think you are helping lost people with your sympathy and understanding, you are a traitor to Jesus Christ. You must have a right-standing relationship with Him yourself, and pour your life out in helping others in His way." It may sound simple and cliché but that to me translates into my theory that "Nobody changes Nobody" not acting nice, not showing them anything; afterall, only the spirit convinces. Simpathy and understanding is necessary but at the end of the day..."In Christ ALONE OUR hope is found". God Bless, Lucas Penido.

All In ( Letting Go) TobyMac

2007-12-16T22:42:00.001-08:00

This is a video I made...the lyrics touched me so much that I was like...I gotta put some visual to this! Its lyrics represented the exact stage I was in like "this time I'm so for real, this time a I seal the deal..shut down my lame appeal...I'm letting go..." and then..."I'm letting go of everything I am and Im holding on to everything you are" May the Lord keeps us all in that stage...of always holding on to HIM. God Bless, L.P

I have decided...

2007-12-16T22:18:00.000-08:00

...to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus...I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back...no turning back.
Well...today there was a Bapitsm. There are somethings that never cease to amaze me and deeply touch me in a certain way...Baptisms are definitely one of them; The simbolic fact of someone telling the world that they are now "born again" amazes me and brings tears to my eyes; The testimonies by the people being baptized were very simple yet very touching and if I may...powerful. I can't help since we're almost days to the end of the year...to look back and reflect...Wow...this has been the best year of my life! I found Jesus, I found love, I found a family and friends, I mean...all around, emotionally, professionally, sentimentally and most importantly...spiritually, this has been the best! Cliché? Maybe; but one thing is true..."I could sing of your love forever".
If you used to follow my old blog, you know I always posted my "New Year's resolution". I still haven't posted the one for next years but I'll tell you what...it will be very similar to the one from this year. in other words...I'll rather be driven than drive...my pilot knows the road way too well! hehe...without any fake modesty...HE's the best!
I need to constantly remind my self of a few things though like..."I am crucified, HE lives for me", "Forgetting the things...I'll push on", "Seek the Kingdom first", "Where is your heart there's is your treasure" oh...I got something that will put this whole concept into a single sentence...
"The World Behind me...The Cross before me, The World Behind meeee..The Cross Before me...The World Behind meee...the Cross Before meee..NO TURNING BACK...NO TURNING BACK".
God Bless, Lucas Penido.

Back room...

2007-11-26T10:20:00.000-08:00

So...I have this saying that "I always gave the Lord the Mansion but always kept the backroom/garage ". Which is a metaphor for not entirely giving him my heart; I can safely say that this year has been the first year in my life that I've applied the "No holding back" rule. Well...there are some verses that are key verses to alot of questions and thoughts that I think that due to my personality I need to keep (them) in my heart and mind at all times...so, I'll share one regarding this matter with you..." For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Mt 6:21 God Bless, Lucas Penido.

FORGIVENESS...

2007-11-19T23:47:00.000-08:00

Forgiveness, which is so easy for us to accept, cost the agony at Calvary. We should never take the forgiveness of sin, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and our sanctification in simple faith, and then forget the enormous cost to God that made all of this ours. - Oswald Chambers.

Where Self Begins...

2007-11-18T02:08:00.000-08:00

Read this phrase on "Morning/Evening" a devotional book by C.H Spurgeon that was given to me on my Birthday:"Make God your only object, depend upon him. Where self begins, Sorrow begins." May the Lord really keep us focused solely on him. God Bless, Lucas Penido.

Johnny Cash - It Was Jesus

2007-11-15T23:04:00.001-08:00

Who was it everybody? It was Jesus Christ our Lord...nothing better than hearing the man in black singing this. God Bless you! L.P

I surrender all..

2007-10-25T21:55:00.000-07:00

Every time I'm extremely happy...I run to this blog; I've been working so hard and the Lord has blessed me beyond what words can express! I mean...way,way beyond...Where was I last year?! Thank you Lord! Anyway...Now that I'm writing for all these media outlets, etc...it seems like I really gotta think before what I gotta say (write) but here...in this blog, I just literally pour my heart out; It probably takes me 10 mins to write the same amount it takes for me to write a single paragraph anywhere else...I'm approaching my 26th birthday and I honestly am so thankful for what the Lord has done in my life this past year; I know that alot of people read this blog because of the other stuff and etc...and I feel like sometimes God has allowed me to go somewhere with my plans because he has a bigger plan...and when I say bigger, I don't necessarily mean...lots of things...but if you just think about it...the Bible says that Heaven rejoices when only one sinner repents (Luke 15:7) I mean...that's pretty big, so trust me...if anybody through this blog accepts the Lord as their sufficient and only savior..that's bigger than anything else...ok...It's now pretty late and I've been working the whole day and will probably work for part of the night but I needed to say that this has been the best year in my life because for the first time...I can actually say that I surrendered all...have you ever tried(if you haven't done it yet...) doing the same? ? It's a scary thought but from the bottom of my heart....there's nothing better than to know that the One who created heaven and earth is now taking care and "driving the car" for you. If you never visit this blog again or never remember a thing I said...remember this...Jesus loves you. God Bless, Lucas Penido.

THE GREATEST NEED...

2007-10-09T08:24:00.000-07:00

I was reading my devocional this morning and this one sentence, even though may sound "clichè" to some, really spoke to my heart...

"...The greatest need we have is not to do things, but to believe things". Oswald Chambers

2007-10-02T22:40:00.000-07:00

I HAVE BEEN CRUCIFIED

2007-09-30T19:36:00.000-07:00

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me." (Galatians 2:20)

What can I say about all the good things that have happened to me lately? What can I say about anything and everything? Well...I can say two things, one: It's all by the grace of my Lord, Jesus Christ that all things are possible...the closer I get to him, the closer I see that if it wasn't for his grace...I wouldn't be able to do a thing; and I mean, Nothing! From eating sushi to working, to being a good son, friend, to whatever...it's all by his grace. The second thing is pretty much a follow up to the first...why have I tried to accomplish so much in my spiritual life before and could never pass square 1? Exactly because "I"tried..and I'm nothing but a sinful man that makes tons of mistakes, however...I'm crucified with my Lord, so guess what? I don't live anymore, but he lives in me and through me. Hey, 20 + yrs in the church and really never understood that...I have insomnia, but my Lord doesn't...so guess what? Insomnia`s gone, and so is was my anxiety and so is everything else...He lives, not me.
Many of the people I know, have been walking with The Lord for quiet sometime...so this might not be something new to them...but this is for all the people that through my other website, my work, etc...somehow got to this blog; Jesus loves you, accept him in your life and once and for all be crucified with him; (True) life is so much easier like this, why? Because you don't need to live anymore, but HE will live for you. God Bless, Lucas Penido.

Because HE lives...

2007-08-23T03:21:00.001-07:00

This hymn played a huge part on my recent trip...All the Honor and Glory unto HIM! God Bless, LP.

I'll never forget it...

2007-08-19T15:32:00.000-07:00

Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods?Who is like you, majestic in holiness,awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders? - Exodus 15:11

Son of God - Starfield

2007-07-28T21:27:00.001-07:00

I was listening to this song today, I've been so happy...to be honest, I've been happy, because I feel like I really didn't know whaat that was; anyways...was listening to this song and wanted to post it; I found this simple yet beautiful "video", which is really a picture slide put together and it really translated and expressed all the feelings I had inside of me,to something visual! Jesus...You are worthy of all my Praise, You are beautiful!

Thank you...

2007-07-24T23:41:00.001-07:00

My words can't describe what the Lord has done in my life within a years period but I found something in Psalms, that describes precisely what I feel:

How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. Psalms 116:12 &13

God Bless, Lucas Penido.

2007-07-08T21:11:00.000-07:00

Michael Tait "right on the money" once again!

2007-06-30T23:46:00.001-07:00

Little by little, Michael Tait is becoming a reference to me, I've used many of his examples in habit of paraphrasing; His very short speech during one of his concerts deeply touched me therefore I posted a few of the things he said back when I started the blog, and once again he is right on the money; My favorite comment..."Church is irrelevant to the Youth (nowdays)", and he is right...because first of all... what is "The Church"? Regardless of where you live, your background, what you do or who you are... Christ is relevant...always is; and if you never visit this blog once again, remember that.
Getting back to the church...We are the Church, the body of Christ is the Church...question is, how is the body of Christ nowdays? is it being relevant afterall? You answer that question...and I, I'll stick with Tait's opinion. God Bless, L.P

Andre Valadao - Alegria

2007-06-29T20:36:00.001-07:00

This is a song The Lord used in my life to get me through alot...Oddly enough, it's a song I wouldn't listen to, it's not necessarily..."my cup o'tea" if I may say,however the Lord used this and many other songs my this brother... the message behind this particular song is what I want to live for the rest of my life:
"Your joy in my life, gives me strenght every day, You joy in my life, I receive it today, I receive it now..."

2007-06-23T00:41:00.000-07:00

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness

psalm 30:11

2007-06-23T00:39:00.000-07:00

2007-06-21T00:44:00.000-07:00

I was thinking on what to post today, and as I read some stuff many things came to mind, I wrote some stuff and erased some stuff...long story short....the less the better, so this is what's in my heart right now:
"To love God is the greatest of virtues; to be loved by God is the greatest of blessings." - Unknown

God Bless you, Luke.

2007-06-13T00:21:00.000-07:00

Just before I go to sleep, I have this...humn...tendency or perhaps...habit, of reading the Bible or a book (mostly, My Utmost for his highest), or listening to Gospel,CCM and sometimes even Hymns; I strongly believe that whatever goes in your mind when you go to sleep...is what you wake up thinking about (or at least that's what works for me). Today, it was no different...so this is what I'm going to sleep meditating on and hopefully wake up thinking about:

"We have the idea that we can dedicate our gifts to God. However, you cannot dedicate what is not yours. There is actually only one thing you can dedicate to God, and that is your right to yourself " by Oswald Chambers

How Great thou art

2007-06-12T11:43:00.000-07:00

Life's been pretty busy, thanks to Jesus Christ my Lord and I can't stress how much I'm nothing...but through Christ...I can do it all; I haven't really updated the blog, but as I was working today...and this song came up (How Great thou art) and even though i grew up listening to hymns...It still amazes me how the Lord still touches us through the most habitual things...it's amazing that the One that has created everything...has time...full time to take care of us and so, I really wanna be that full time project on his hands...How Great thou art, How Great thou art! ...God Bless, L.

My Assurance...

2007-06-08T22:23:00.000-07:00

My assurance is to be built upon God’s assurance to me. God says, "I will never leave you," so that then I "may boldly say, ’The Lord is my helper; I will not fear’ " ( Hebrews 13:5-6 ). In other words, I will not be obsessed with apprehension By Oswald Chambers

2007-06-05T22:24:00.000-07:00

2007-06-05T22:02:00.000-07:00

Faith & Faithfulness Quotes

We could go to Bible and find many verses on a particular subject,but I decided to do a little search and find quotes, opinions and points of view on things me and you would or in some cases would not, have a hard time expressing...my subject of choice in this case was Faith and/or Faithfulness...so, I thought it would be cool to post some here, I hope you enjoy it! (By the way if you do, let me know...I'll probably post some quotes on different topics every once in a while):

Quotes

"Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible."

- Corrie Ten Boom

"I have found that there are three stages in every great work of God: first, it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done." Hudson Taylor

"Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted in spite of your changing moods."- C.S Lewis

"Without Christ, not one step; with Him, anywhere!" - David Livingstone

"When you have no helpers, see your helpers in God. When you have many helpers, see God in all your helpers. When you have nothing but God, see all in God. When you have everything, see God in everything. Under all conditions, stay thy heart only on the Lord."- Charles Spurgeon

God Bless...L.

2007-06-02T15:07:00.000-07:00

You are my eyes when i can not see...

2007-06-02T01:44:00.001-07:00

Needful Hands", such a touching song. It's indescribable sometimes, but if I pressure myself enough to explain...I have to say that songs like this one, have taken a total and very different meaning in my life. A beautiful meaning I should say; Before everything was very theorical now it's extremelly literal; It's amazing how God can take something that's so broken and little by little build it up to something that by itself is still nothing, but by Grace and mercy, everything...
"You are my eyes when I can not see...You are my voice, see, sing through me, You are my strength, in weakness be...Holy"
God Bless. L. (Philippians 4:13)

2007-05-31T15:24:00.000-07:00

Good Times...Bad Times...Great Times...It is all well...

2007-05-31T08:58:00.000-07:00

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,It is well,
with my soul,It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet,
though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
It is well, with my soul,It is well,
with my soul,It is well, it is well, with my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound,
and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

2007-05-30T20:55:00.000-07:00

2007-05-29T23:19:00.000-07:00

"By the test of common sense, Jesus Christ’s statements may seem mad, but when you test them by the trial of faith, your findings will fill your spirit with the awesome fact that they are the very words of God" Oswald Chambers

...You're all over me

2007-05-26T23:10:00.001-07:00

Sometimes you hear a song way too many times and you tend to forget the true meaning of the words behind it, cliche no? However, let's use this song as an example, take 30 seconds of your day and just meditate on it:

Inside outside, under my skin
Never ending love I don’t know where it begins?
I don’t know where it ends, I don’t know how high
I don’t know how deep, I don’t know how wide
Outside inside around the world
Never ending love envelops me like a cloud
I feel you in front, I feel you behind
I feel you up above, And I feel you at the side

And you, you’re all over me, you’re all over me
Your banner is over me, I give it all ‘cos

You still captivate me, fascinate me
You still captivate me, saturate me

Inside outside, pulling me in
No matter where I run I know you’ll never give in
I see you in the storm, I see you in a kiss
I’ve been around the world and never found a love like this

You’re all over me, you’re all over me
You’re everything I want to be
I’m all over you, you’re everything I want to see
You’re all over me

You, still captivate me, fascinate me
You still captivate me, saturate me
You still captivate me, liberate me
You still captivate me

So...what do you think?
I tell you what I think...let this song be my prayer...for as long as I live! God Bless,L.

CAMPAIGN TO END CONSUMER CHRISTIANITY

2007-05-26T18:41:00.000-07:00

This is one of not only the coolest sites I've seen recently, but also one of the coolest concepts that someone had the guts to come up with.
See it for yourself and tell me if you agree with their points:

http://stopconsuming.org/STOPcampaign.html

WHAT IS TOTAL DEPENDENCE?

2007-05-26T11:21:00.000-07:00

I read something this week on "Relevant Magazine" that in my opinion simplified and put into words what total dependance is; I've been receiving many emails and comments on this blog...can't wait to hear what your opinion is on this one. God Bless, L.

"...He was right. I should be totally used to the role of being completely dependant, but I’m not. Too often, I forget that nothing I do—not my Bible studies, not my singing on Sunday mornings and not my positions of leadership—made the rescue of my soul possible. Nothing that I do in service to God changes the fact that I do not deserve this abundant life He has given me. There is nothing I can do or have done that changes the fact that I am a sinner who deserves death. Yet, Christ has chosen to redeem me and speaks on my behalf to the Father. This is complete dependence. It is a role I should know, because I’ve been filling it for my entire life." - by Audrey Ferguson

if you want to read the complete story click on the link below:
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god_article.php?id=7360

2007-05-26T10:49:00.000-07:00

But...But..

2007-05-26T10:46:00.000-07:00

Our thinking about prayer, whether right or wrong, is based on our own mental conception of it. The correct concept is to think of prayer as the breath in our lungs and the blood from our hearts. Our blood flows and our breathing continues "without ceasing"; we are not even conscious of it, but it never stops. And we are not always conscious of Jesus keeping us in perfect oneness with God, but if we are obeying Him, He always is. Prayer is not an exercise, it is the life of the saint. Beware of anything that stops the offering up of prayer. "Pray without ceasing . . ."— maintain the childlike habit of offering up prayer in your heart to God all the time.

Jesus never mentioned unanswered prayer. He had the unlimited certainty of knowing that prayer is always answered. Do we have through the Spirit of God that inexpressible certainty that Jesus had about prayer, or do we think of the times when it seemed that God did not answer our prayer? Jesus said, ". . . everyone who asks receives . . ." ( Matthew 7:8 ). Yet we say, "But . . . , but . . . ." God answers prayer in the best way— not just sometimes, but every time. However, the evidence of the answer in the area we want it may not always immediately follow. Do we expect God to answer prayer?

The danger we have is that we want to water down what Jesus said to make it mean something that aligns with our common sense. But if it were only common sense, what He said would not even be worthwhile. The things Jesus taught about prayer are supernatural truths He reveals to us.-- No author assigned in CUT

from "My Utmost for his Highest" by Oswald Chambers

2007-05-24T21:27:00.000-07:00

Our Rights Vs God's Choice for us = ????

2007-05-24T21:24:00.000-07:00

As soon as you begin to live the life of faith in God, fascinating and physically gratifying possibilities will open up before you. These things are yours by right, but if you are living the life of faith you will exercise your right to waive your rights, and let God make your choice for you. God sometimes allows you to get into a place of testing where your own welfare would be the appropriate thing to consider, if you were not living the life of faith. But if you are, you will joyfully waive your right and allow God to make your choice for you. This is the discipline God uses to transform the natural into the spiritual through obedience to His voice.

Whenever our right becomes the guiding factor of our lives, it dulls our spiritual insight. The greatest enemy of the life of faith in God is not sin, but good choices which are not quite good enough. The good is always the enemy of the best. In this passage, it would seem that the wisest thing in the world for Abram to do would be to choose. It was his right, and the people around him would consider him to be a fool for not choosing.

Many of us do not continue to grow spiritually because we prefer to choose on the basis of our rights, instead of relying on God to make the choice for us. We have to learn to walk according to the standard which has its eyes focused on God. And God says to us, as He did to Abram, ". . . walk before Me. . ." ( Genesis 17:1 ).-- No author assigned in CUT

2007-05-19T17:52:00.000-07:00

Cego de Jerico - RODOX

2007-05-18T17:50:00.001-07:00

Another song that has so much meaning to me, Rodox is the Hardcore band that Rodolfo Abrantes (Lead singer of one of Brazil's most Famous Rock Bands "Raimundos")started when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. I heard this song so many times and decided to translate parts in the lyric that really caught my attention (and my heart.):

"I've felt the touch from the hands of someone that was alwyas there..."

"I saw Kings falling before a name and it's by love that I exist today, I'm reborn in Christ another blind man in Jericho"

"I know you heard me, when I got on my knees and asked for forgiveness and said goodbye to the sad man."

and its by LOVE that I exist, today Reborn in Christ...another blind man in Jericho...

God Bless! L.

2007-05-17T21:06:00.001-07:00

From The Inside Out

2007-05-17T20:48:00.001-07:00

What was so "Corny" one day, now is what I believe in; What I had no time for, Now is what I make time for...it's a priority. "Little Wise Boy" is dead...A New me was born not too long ago, Salvation is only the opening to a new life, yet I cherish with all that I am! I thought I'd lose my freedom making this decision...yet, I had no idea of what freedom was...trust me, I had the priviledge of being born in a "Christian Home" yet, had no idea of what I was really missing; Everything is secondary, I'm seeking his kingdom first and everything else should be added; "...In My Heart and My Soul, I Give you control...Consume from the Inside Out Lord"

"From The Inside Out"

A thousand times I've failed
Still Your mercy remains And should I stumble again
I'm caught in Your grace
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame

Your will above all else
My purpose remains
The art of losing myself
In bringing You praise
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame

In my heart and my soul
Lord I give You control
Consume me from the inside out
Lord let justice and praise
Become my embrace
To love you from the inside out

Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart
Is to bring You praise
From the inside out
Lord my soul cries out

2007-05-17T15:40:00.000-07:00

The Sin of Self Pity...

2007-05-16T16:14:00.000-07:00

I've been Looking for words to express my feelings on the subject, actually I've been gathering thoughts for a while; My Best friend (Who's not a Christ Follower yet) always says: "Everybody Jumps on the chance to be a Victim...why? Because it's easier". I have to agree with him, and it amazes me to see how many people have learned the "art of Self Pityness" (is there such a word?)
Well...let me cut short and just say that I've found once again in the words of Oswald Chambers, a very clear explanation; Tell me what you think...God Bless. L (Listening to "Take it All" by Hillsong United)

We are made "partakers of the divine nature," receiving and sharing God’s own nature through His promises. Then we have to work that divine nature into our human nature by developing godly habits. The first habit to develop is the habit of recognizing God’s provision for us. We say, however, "Oh, I can’t afford it." One of the worst lies is wrapped up in that statement. We talk as if our heavenly Father has cut us off without a penny! We think it is a sign of true humility to say at the end of the day, "Well, I just barely got by today, but it was a severe struggle." And yet all of Almighty God is ours in the Lord Jesus! And He will reach to the last grain of sand and the remotest star to bless us if we will only obey Him. Does it really matter that our circumstances are difficult? Why shouldn’t they be! If we give way to self-pity and indulge in the luxury of misery, we remove God’s riches from our lives and hinder others from entering into His provision. No sin is worse than the sin of self-pity, because it removes God from the throne of our lives, replacing Him with our own self-interests. It causes us to open our mouths only to complain, and we simply become spiritual sponges— always absorbing, never giving, and never being satisfied. And there is nothing lovely or generous about our lives.

Before God becomes satisfied with us, He will take everything of our so-called wealth, until we learn that He is our Source; as the psalmist said, "All my springs are in You" (Psalm 87:7 ). If the majesty, grace, and power of God are not being exhibited in us, God holds us responsible. "God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you . . . may have an abundance . . ." ( 2 Corinthians 9:8 )— then learn to lavish the grace of God on others, generously giving of yourself. Be marked and identified with God’s nature, and His blessing will flow through you all the time

By Oswald Chambers (My Utmost For HIS Highest)

Best Christian Video I've ever watched! Oh Boy...I love Pop Culture!

2007-05-16T11:19:00.001-07:00

Oh My...I'm so in love with this video! Who produced this? Kubrick? Honestly...is there a better way to spread the word to a "Tv on the Radio meets Stereolab" music listner, Bape rockin', Tea Drinker, Movie and Pop Culture Aficionado??? Ok...if this video doesn't fascinates you...tell me what does? God Bless! L.

2007-05-15T17:23:00.000-07:00

Rejoicing through Hard Times...

2007-05-14T13:18:00.000-07:00

God's been talking to me in many different ways, like he always does; And my prayer has been that the Lord gives me sharp ears to listen to what He's saying.

Within this past 6 months, God's been telling me to rejoice through hard times, even though I sincerely have had the best six months of my life...God's made me whole once again and I honestly feel just like the Psalmist described on Psalm 91:1 :

" He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty"

This past week, The Lord spoke loudly and clear once again...and last night the perfection of his plan was shown by something I read on my daily devotional "My Utmost for his Highest".

Firstly, I'd like to post one of my favorite Bible verses and from the bottom of my heart...I hope it touches you as much as it touched me.

In him, Now and Forever...(listening to "We Fall Down" by Donnie McClurkin)

Romans 5 3-4

3 And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness;
4 and stedfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope

We have to develop godly habits to express what God’s grace has done in us. It is not just a question of being saved from hell, but of being saved so that "the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body."

And it is adversity that makes us exhibit His life in our mortal flesh. Is my life exhibiting the essence of the sweetness of the Son of God, or just the basic irritation of "myself" that I would have apart from Him? The only thing that will enable me to enjoy adversity is the acute sense of eagerness of allowing the life of the Son of God to evidence itself in me.

No matter how difficult something may be, I must say, "Lord, I am delighted to obey You in this." Instantly, the Son of God will move to the forefront of my life, and will manifest in my body that which glorifies Him.
You must not debate. The moment you obey the light of God, His Son shines through you in that very adversity; but if you debate with God, you grieve His Spirit (see Ephesians 4:30 ). You must keep yourself in the proper condition to allow the life of the Son of God to be manifested in you, and you cannot keep yourself fit if you give way to self-pity. Our circumstances are the means God uses to exhibit just how wonderfully perfect and extraordinarily pure His Son is. Discovering a new way of manifesting the Son of God should make our heart beat with renewed excitement. It is one thing to choose adversity, and quite another to enter into adversity through the orchestrating of our circumstances by God’s sovereignty. And if God puts you into adversity, He is adequately sufficient to "supply all your need" ( Philippians 4:19 ).
Keep your soul properly conditioned to manifest the life of the Son of God. Never live on your memories of past experiences, but let the Word of God always be living and active in you.--

By Oswald Chambers

How Big is your love for me...

2007-05-11T22:50:00.000-07:00

Hey...It's me.
You know, I haven't really written any comments down (besides little "explanations" on my point of view about the videos) on this site (blog).
Mainly, because...I lived a life that was very much egocentric; and my ideas, thoughts, conversation and whatever else...definitely reflected that.
When I decided to create this blog, which i had no intentions of doing...All I had in my mind was:
"I could care less about anything, as long as I reflect through this blog Who I'm really living for."
Today, I once again experienced how "sweet it is to be loved by you".
Maybe it was because my two and a half year old niece (whom I hadn't seen in 6 months) still remembered my name...
Maybe because my sister is graduating later on today and I see the wonders God has prepared for those who really walk in his path through her life...
Maybe because I drove eight hours straight listening to nothing but some old school Brazilian Christian Songs and truly felt the meanings of the words...along with my mom and her best friend Valda.
Maybe it was because I was surrounded by people that I love and that truly loves me...what a beautiful feeling!!!
Last but not least...by the miracles I can see God operating in each and every single detail...If "Perfection is in the details"...God is definitely spoiling me.
It's 2:08 am...I got to get up early tomorrow, but I couldn't wait to get home to share my happiness and whatever is inside of me right this moment ...so, I ask you? How big is his love for me? Giving his son to die on the cross was the fulfillment but also seems like just the beginning of experiencing a feeling mere words can't describe...ok, let me try...salvation, happiness, joy, grace,mercy...ok, let's stop here. The list could go on forever...and I gotta wake up tomorrow to go to my sisters graduation.
Just wanted to share this moment with you...
In him,
L.
ps*(typing straight from Evelyn's Dorm)

Has our perception of beauty become distorted?

2007-05-10T10:57:00.001-07:00

My view of Beauty was distorted for quite sometime...don't get me wrong, the physical still has its importance...however when it did it become everything the main priority in choosing "right or wrong"??? Whatch the video and let me know what you think...

I'm a Christ Follower (Mac vs. PC Parody) Part 01

2007-05-10T10:50:00.001-07:00

Which one fits you best?

Steve Harvey Introduces Jesus Christ

2007-05-10T01:14:00.001-07:00

How would you introduce Christ to someone? What about a Large group of people...why not try an unexpectable angle? check it out...

Publicity Whose Business is it?

2007-05-08T13:27:00.000-07:00

Ran into this text, found it very interesting...

Getting Cozy in an Institutionalized Manner
Six weeks ago, I broached the topic of Hollywood and the Church cozying up to one another in unseemly ways. In that article, I cited a real-life example of a publicist marketing a film directly to churchgoers, strategically targeting worship time as the platform for exposure.
Two weeks ago, I participated in an event of quite a different sort, and I’d like to use the incident as a means of dissecting the business of publicity—and the Church’s role in the whole thing.
As part of my editorial responsibilities with Past the Popcorn, I received a press pass for a promotional screening of a mainstream major-studio release. The screening time? 10:30 AM on a Sunday morning.
Did I go? Of course I did. My job requires me to work every third weekend anyway, so I’m not locked into a rigorous observance of the Sabbath on Sundays. (Perhaps I should be; but that’s an entirely different discussion.) And I wasn’t about to assign the film to any of our other writers, all of whom have regularly-scheduled Sunday morning responsibilities.
As it turned out, the reason for the odd screening time became evident: this family-oriented film was steeped in a worldview distinctly non-Christian. The studio was marketing the film directly to people who were the least likely to be church-goers.
So, how offensive is it that a publicist would think of screening a film for the press on a Sunday morning? How devious (or considerate) is it to screen a movie that Christians might find offensive in a context which prevents them from even seeing it? Are there precedents?
As rare as Sunday morning screenings are, I can think of one other similar occasion—a junket a couple of years ago. The talent for the film in question was only available on a Sunday, so members of the press corps were flown in on Saturday for the screening, and after a night at the hotel sat in on roundtable interviews during normal church hours. Needless to say, with such a schedule, the religious press contingent was a bit thin. Those in attendance of more orthodox persuasions managed to get in a local midnight mass and nothing was lost.
But the rarity of such events needn’t lead us to conspiratorial conclusions. Many factors influence marketing schedules: facility availability, talent schedules, print availability, access to the target demographic, budgets, and so on. The only ones whose schedules tend not to be considered are the critics; but hey—that’s our job, isn’t it? And nobody says we have to cover every movie.
I have to confess, though, to harboring a niggling suspicion that the screening I attended the other week was deliberately dodging attention from Christians. The content was offensively propagandistic, stopping just short of Da Vinci Code-style heresies. I found myself thinking, “Wow! They sure managed to sneak one by this time!” I had heard nothing from the usual suspects warning me about the content. Where were the AFA, the SBC, and A&F when I needed them?
On reflection, though, I realized that I was probably just being paranoid. Sure, the studio might have directed publicists to set up Sunday morning screenings. But my local publicist knows me very well, and knows that I write for a Christian publication. And the studios approve the invite lists. Nobody was trying to hide anything from anybody. I didn’t sneak into that screening.
So what was going on? This, plain and simple: product being delivered to the target market. It was transparent business practice served straight up, no more or less calculated than Mel Gibson courting evangelicals for The Passion of the Christ. Heck, Gibson doesn’t even care for the theology of most of his “fellow” Catholics; so why should we expect studio heads in Hollywood to behave any less commercially than Mel? They’re all businessmen.
And that gets to the crux of the matter. Publicists exist to connect products to markets. That bears repeating. Films cost extraordinary sums of money to produce, and studios can’t earn a return on their investment if ticket and DVD sales projections aren’t met.
To explain this factor a little more clearly, I’ll borrow an example from when I was president of a local community theatre. Year after year, the outfit had struggled to survive; still, I was shocked to learn when I assumed leadership that no kind of return-on-investment analysis had ever been done. And in community theatre the principle is pretty simple: butts in seats—not great works of art—pay the bills. If you conservatively estimate how many butts you can expect to have in the seats, that tells you how many dollars you’ll have in the till. The estimated number of dollars in the till then lets you know what kind of shows you can afford to produce.
So back to film: the studios have already worked all those details out before they ever talk to publicists. What the studios are after at that point is merely hiring experts who know how to get the desired number of butts in the seats. Publicists know demographics; they are experts in networking; they are savvy with communications and advertising. They know their role and they stick to it.
And publicists are in business, too. But they don’t worry about butts in seats, really; they worry about projects in the pipeline. A lack of projects means a lack of business—so the pipeline must be kept flowing. And as in any other business, publicists are all in competition with each other, vying for a share of the studios’ project-allocated advertising dollars.
The implication for the publicist is the same: just as no movie theater is likely to turn away a paying moviegoer, a publicist has to think very hard about which projects to turn down—particularly because turning down a project might mean turning away an entire studio’s business for good. That damages the pipeline in a big way; so sometimes the pipeline has to carry some sludge along with the sweet stuff.
From that perspective, film publicists are no more suspect or trustworthy than any other promoter. They need to keep movies in the pipeline to pay the bills; but to maintain their connections with the target markets, they can’t come off as complete whores, either.
And also from that perspective, publicists are merely a special case of businessmen in general. Yes, there are probably publicity firms that are the correlate of Enron; but assuredly, none are the equivalent of Mother Teresa.
So is it execrable for a “Christian” publicist to accept pay for promoting films like The Reaping or Norbit?
I suppose one can only answer that question properly if one has a sound theological answer for the dilemma of ministry-as-business; and be sure to ask yourself: what church have you ever attended that was not incorporated? In my experience, God was the true Chairman of no board on which I ever sat—no matter how prayerful the meetings may have been. Those darn sinful people (including me) always got in the way.
So if anyone out there has a pat answer for the larger question, by all means start lobbing some stones. Until then, a little humility is probably in order.

By Greg Wright

Have you played Bible Kombat?

2007-05-08T12:06:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about it? I'm not a video game fan..but couldn't help to upload this picture...I hear you can choose different Bible characters to "fight against evil"...if you heard anything about it, let me know...

2007-05-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

Remember Stryper? They are back.C'mooooon!!! I know that unlike me, you loved them! I've never been a fan, even though I give'em a lot of credit because once...I tried to talk about Jesus to a taxi driver and he said..."Oh...I like Christian Music, I went to a Stryper concert in the 80's and they gave out Bibles at the end of the Concert"! Well done boys!

2007-05-06T23:00:00.000-07:00

Starbucks...what do you think?

2007-05-06T22:58:00.000-07:00

An Ohio woman is steaming after reading an anti-God message published on the side of a Starbucks coffee cup.
The message that got Michelle Incanno's blood boiling reads:
"Why in moments of crisis do we ask God for strength and help? As cognitive beings, why would we ask something that may well be a figment of our imaginations for guidance? Why not search inside ourselves for the power to overcome? After all, we are strong enough to cause most of the catastrophes we need to endure."
Michelle Incanno of Springboro, Ohio, holds a cup part of Starbucks' 'The Way I See It' campaign (Dayton Daily News)

2007-05-04T21:43:00.000-07:00

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2007-05-03T23:39:00.000-07:00

Dive - Dc Talk

2007-05-03T23:38:00.001-07:00

2007-05-02T22:49:00.000-07:00

Face of The Earth - TobyMac

2007-05-02T17:11:00.001-07:00

Another video I made...for some reason, I've seen myself in the situation the singer describes in this song.
I know I can't take time back, however...I'm willing to show true friendship as talking about the love of Jesus to everyone I become friends with.
Straight up simple and efficient.
May God Bless you.
L.

2007-04-27T23:21:00.000-07:00

2007-04-27T19:38:00.000-07:00

Yeshua Hamashia - Santa Geracao

2007-04-27T17:04:00.001-07:00

second video I made, to a song I heard when I was in Brazil...It talks about God's love for us and everything he's done!
Words can't express how grateful I am everytime I think where I (We) could be if It wasn't for his sacrifice! May God Bless you!
L.

All In ( Letting Go) TobyMac

2007-04-26T23:40:00.001-07:00

I'm actually getting good at this...hahahah...if not, I'm at least enjoying it! Anyways...I think these videos are a powerful tool to preach the Gospel and that's what matters the most.
This song in particular has so much meaning to me, because that's exactly what i feel right now and ever since I decided not to hold back and go HEART first with Christ! I hope you enjoy it...God Bless! L.

2007-04-24T23:56:00.000-07:00

2007-04-24T23:23:00.000-07:00

Check this out...

2007-04-16T23:24:00.000-07:00

If you had the fear ( just like I did) of allowing Jesus to work in EVERY aspect or area in your life or still have that feeling...read this:

Have you deliberately committed your WILL to Jesus Christ?

It is a transaction of the will, not of emotion; any positive emotion that results is simply a superficial blessing arising out of the transaction.

If you focus your attention on the emotion, you will never make the transaction. Do not ask God what the transaction is to be, but make the determination to surrender your will regarding whatever you see, whether it is in the shallow or the deep, profound places internally.

Oswald Chambers, My utmost for his highest

2007-04-15T00:17:00.000-07:00

My notes from the Youth Conference.

2007-04-14T19:40:00.000-07:00

The Youth Conference titled "You Shall be my witnesses" (April 6-8) was truly a Amazing!
I hope what I wrote down will bless you as much as it blessed me!
In Him,

Lp.

Saturday, april 7th

Best way of Witnessing, is to witness in the Character of Christ.

3 Things Jesus did as a Witness:

Jesus always treated everyone as God’s highest creature.
You’ve never heard Jesus say things derogatory towards anybody, when he looked at a somebody, he saw a person before a sinner

What made Jesus so approachable, was he way HE approached people.
Always with Grace and Truth.

How could he love Judas? He washed Judas’ feet
Because Jesus, has a wider vision, This person has a purpose in God’s plan. We need to have this vision also.
His Words Save, never alienate.

Jesus ALWAYS gave himself first

We got to break away from our comfort zone!
Live your life according to what the LORD has designed for you!

Jesus was always an advocate, a witness!
Satan, stands (means) “adversary”.

How many times us as Christians stand as WITNESS instead of ADVERSARY?

The key to the last example, is to approach in an unforeseen angle.
“Break the ice”, “Be kind”
Approach people, from an “unforeseen angle of elevation”.
Jesus treated the Samaritan woman, just like any other woman.

Live a life led by the Spirit, NOT doctrines.

Sunday april 8th

The importance of Worshipping and Witnessing.
Both things are essential.

The doing of witnessing – Acts 1 -8
How is our God being portraited?
Witness and Testify the incredible largness of being God’s creatures.

The World expects us to be “Moral Police.”
What if we come in an “unexpected angle”.
How Large is Jesus in us?
We are born to be witnesses, born with a compelling passion within.
It’s a real blessing to Witness

Watchman Nee once saind:
“The two happiest days in a Christian’s life is the day they are saved and the day they lead somebody to Salvation in Jesus Christ”

Get people in the “Witness zone”, The Holy Spirit is not only for our own consumption.

WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT.

Is Jesus, The Lord of your boat? If So, believe he’s LEAD you to that place.
If Jesus is not leading, than He’s NOT your Lord.

Follow the Spirits leading,it’s not hard to follow the leading and make sure you follow the WILLING.
Conduct yourself with Wisdom.

“Unexpected angle” = Seasoned food
Chinese people, call “non Christians” as “Gospel Friends”, that is an example of an Unexpcted angle;

Witnessing includes Sacrificing things you are accustomed to.
If Jesus Christ who is God, died for me, than there isn’t too big of a sacrifice We can do for him.

The Door waits before us, are you ready?

No matter how you say it! Just say it!

2007-04-13T00:38:00.001-07:00

2007-04-13T00:29:00.001-07:00

2007-04-13T00:24:00.000-07:00

2007-04-12T20:28:00.000-07:00

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2007-04-04T23:52:00.000-07:00

Jose...Jose...

2007-04-02T08:38:00.000-07:00

Hoje, durante o meu devocional...O senhor falou profundamente ao coracao.

Como algums ja sabem, fiz o alvo de ler novamente a Biblia...estou seguindo o meu proprio "plano de leitura", no qual se resume em ler capitulos de um especifico livro, algum Salmo ou Proverbio e alguma carta de Paulo;

Devido ao fato de querer dar sequencia ao Torah (5 primeiros livros da Biblia), estou ainda em Genesis.

Cheguei a parte do livro relativa a Jose, e me maravilho porque vemos como a palavra do Senhor esta sempre se renovando.

Pude notar como o plano do Senhor e perfeito...um exemplo claro disso(dentre varios na vida e trajetoria de Jose), foi que quando jogado no poco...talvez no momento, fosse apenas "uma pessoa dentro do poco"...mas nos planos do Senhor, era o inicio de uma trajetoria de como o Senhor iria dar continuacao a decendencia de seu povo, a trajetoria de alguem que nao se abalou pelas circunstancias mas manteve o seu olhar fixo (Unicamente atraves da Fe) no "Alvo".

Essa passagem (de Jose ter sido jogado no poco), talvez pelo fato dos acontecimentos em minha vida nos ultimos meses, me tocaram profundamente;Sinto como se as vezes, estivesse tambem sido jogado dentro de um poco; No entanto, vejo Jose como um grande exemplo...nao vou olhar pra circunstancia...mas sempre acreditar, que existe um Deus que ja esta olhando la na frente e que isso...e apenas uma "virgula" no seu proposito.

Que o Senhor continue nos abencoando e fortalecendo a nossa fe!

One of my favorite Psalms...(Psalm:139)

2007-03-31T12:05:00.000-07:00

For the leader. A psalm of David. O LORD, you have probed me, you know me:
2
2 you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar.
3
My travels and my rest you mark; with all my ways you are familiar.
4
Even before a word is on my tongue, LORD, you know it all.
5
Behind and before you encircle me and rest your hand upon me.
6
Such knowledge is beyond me, far too lofty for me to reach.
7
Where can I hide from your spirit? From your presence, where can I flee?
8
If I ascend to the heavens, you are there; if I lie down in Sheol, you are there too.
9
3 If I fly with the wings of dawn and alight beyond the sea,
10
Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand hold me fast.
11
4 If I say, "Surely darkness shall hide me, and night shall be my light" --
12
Darkness is not dark for you, and night shines as the day. Darkness and light are but one.
13
You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb.
14
I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you knew;
15
5 my bones were not hidden from you, When I was being made in secret, fashioned as in the depths of the earth.
16
Your eyes foresaw my actions; in your book all are written down; my days were shaped, before one came to be.
17
How precious to me are your designs, O God; how vast the sum of them!
18
Were I to count, they would outnumber the sands; to finish, I would need eternity.
19
If only you would destroy the wicked, O God, and the bloodthirsty would depart from me!
20
Deceitfully they invoke your name; your foes swear faithless oaths.
21
Do I not hate, LORD, those who hate you? Those who rise against you, do I not loathe?
22
With fierce hatred I hate them, enemies I count as my own.
23
Probe me, God, know my heart; try me, know my concerns.
24
6 See if my way is crooked, then lead me in the ancient paths.

Jesus Walks on Water - Anime Jesus

2007-03-29T23:13:00.001-07:00

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2007-03-27T14:54:00.000-07:00

2007-03-27T13:04:00.000-07:00