Reaching Your World with Luis Palau

I've told you about my friend, David Pickford, and his wife, Betty, who died only a short while ago.  Both were born into poverty, both brilliant, both received Jesus Christ quite early in their lives and they were some of the most cheerful and happy Christians that I've ever met around the world.  The most amazing thing was that they served their country the United Kingdom, Great Britain, in an amazing, amazing way. They worked with teenagers and children in a youth movement over there - Boys Brigade.  And then, he reached out to amazing numbers of young people by the tens of thousands.  In fact, the festival that we had in London in '84 was a great measure worked on by those young people that he ministered to for so many years.  But, there was something else... David and Betty also reached the Queen's first cousin, Princess Alexandra, whom the Lord used me to lead to the feet of Jesus Christ.  God willing, in a few weeks I will go and see her and her brother who is also a very distinguished man in the United Kingdom.  But, it all happened by this successful businessman, with his wife Betty, who were unashamed of Jesus.  Who openly testified.  Who believed the words of Jesus "If you follow me, I will make you fishers of me."  Do you have that joy?  I hope you do.

Just a short while ago, a friend of mine in England died.  His name was David Pickford - a fantastic gentleman, a great brother, a great friend and counselor.  He was born in a poor family but was extremely intelligent.  He was chairman of a festival that we had in 1983 and 1984 in London, England.  He was an amazing man.  He had connections all over the city of London and even overseas.  He became chairman of our association in the United Kingdom and across Europe.  He married Betty.  Betty also came from a very poor family.  In fact, she was given away by her parents very early on and she never saw her mother until 3 years before she died.  She was a bright woman - a happy Christian woman.You know, it made me realize that all of us, every one of us, one of these days will have to face the fact of death.  We will die.  "It is appointed unto man once to die."  David and Betty Pickford died absolutely cheerful, knowing that they were going to see Jesus Christ face-to-face.  It reminds me of John 10:28 "I give them eternal life" said Jesus "they will never perish and no one can snatch them out of my hand."Do you have that kind of assurance?  Do your friends?

In the Gospels, when Jesus would call His disciples, He would say, "come follow me and I will make you fishers of men." When God rescues us, He not only rescues us from our past, He also rescues us to something... as soon as you're rescued from death you're moved to a new way of life.  You're not just rescued FROM but you are rescued TO.  He doesn't want you just to be the receptacle of God's mercy but also the overflow of it to others.  In the same sentence where Jesus said, "repent and believe and follow me," He also said, "and I will make you fishers of men."  God doesn't just call you to save you.  He calls you so He can work in and through you to reach others!  He wants to use you to impact others and draw them into the same saving grace.Don't receive God's grace and sit idly by as others go through life not knowing Him.  You have received God's grace for the purpose of sharing it with others. Praise God we have eternity with Him- but are you using that knowledge to bring others into eternity with God?  Or are you just resting comfortably in your salvation?  God has you on earth for a reason and He wants to use you, right now, today, for something amazing.  Never forget what God rescued you from- but what is He calling you to? 

You've heard it said: "Be gentle." I most often hear parents telling this to young children who are around pets, newborn babies, or glass dishes. But there are lots of times and places where gentleness is required of all of us. Contrary to its reputation, gentleness is not a trait for women only. It is listed in the Bible as one of the fruits of the Spirit, which are for all humankind. In the book of Philippians in the Bible, St. Paul exhorts his readers to, "Let your gentleness be evident to all." I speak to men today who might try to dismiss God's call to be gentle because they view it as a feminine trait. Guess what? Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ Himself, was gentle! He was truly a gentle-MAN. He showed us what it means to handle other people with care; to reach out and be merciful. Is your gentleness evident to all? One way you can reach your world for Jesus Christ today is by treating others gently. Many times, all it takes to show someone the love of Jesus Christ is a gentle response. Won't you be a gentle man or woman today?

A popular bumper sticker awhile ago said "Commit random acts of kindness." Maybe you've seen it. I like it because it's a positive message. Kindness is one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in the Bible. Scripture is clear in its command to, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Think about that. We're not to be kind just because it's a good idea; we're to be kind because God Himself is kind! The Old Testament says: "I am the Lord who practices loving kindness." Whether random or carefully planned, acts of kindness allow others to witness God at work in this world. Do you practice kindness in your everyday living? Or, are you withholding kindness because you're waiting for someone to "deserve" it before you give it? Don't wait any longer! Think about the Lord Jesus Christ reaching out to you with new life. Did you deserve it? No, you did not. And neither does your neighbor deserve your kindness. Be kind anyway; it's the Lord's will for you and is the first step to leading another to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

"If you're happy and you know it" is a fun little kids' song. The tune captures the lightheartedness of the word "happy." But did you know that while being happy is great, being joyful is even better! Happiness is a light and momentary feeling. It is marked by a sense of pleasure or gladness. Joy from Jesus Christ, on the other hand, runs deeper. It is a sense of fulfillment at the soul level. Joy allows for feelings of contentment and satisfaction. Even if you're in an "unhappy" situation, you can still be joyful. Listen to what Paul writes in the Bible: "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." I'll tell you Paul's secret. The source of his deep-rooted joy was Jesus Christ! Joy is a "fruit of the Spirit" that reveals itself in increasing measure the more you grow in Christ. It's impossible to hide the joy of the Lord, and people certainly notice when you have it.  Are you filled with the joy of the Lord? Do not be afraid to show it! Joy is an attractive fruit. Reach your world with it today!