Reaching Your World with Luis Palau

Almost everyone knows the Golden Rule, and knows that Jesus said it, but many aren’t quite sure how to live it out. Down through the centuries, many English Bibles have translated the Golden Rule this way: “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them.” I don’t know about you, but that would be a little hard to explain to my Hindu neighbor. One of the newest English Bibles does a great job of expressing the Golden Rule this way: “In everything you do, be careful to treat others in the same way you would want them to treat you.” That’s Matthew 7:12. Over in Luke 6:31, they put it this way: “However you wish to be treated by others is how you should treat everyone else.” Of course, Jesus isn’t talking about paying for an extra coffee drink at Starbucks. That’s nice, but not nice enough. Remember, Jesus is preaching about the Kingdom. If you and I are citizens of God’s kingdom, what is the most loving thing we can do for others? What would make an eternal impact on someone’s life? The most loving thing you and I can do is to invite others to commit their hearts and lives to the Lord Jesus Christ. This is Andrew Palau.

In our fast-paced culture, it seems like everything is done online. We have friendships online through Facebook, and Twitter, and Instagram. Some relationships even start online. We’re used to typing or reading or watching quick snippets, and we feel satisfied with that. And while these aren’t necessarily bad things, I think we forget that our relationship with God is more than just an online tweet. God desires a relationship that is infinite and intimate. More than just a Facebook post, or a text message. God desires to spend quality time with us – and that happens through us praying to Him, reading in His word, or spending time in community with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. If you want to know how to reach your world, let me suggest you start by spending intentional, uninterrupted time with Jesus. Turn off your phone. Turn off your iPad. Your TV also. And open the Bible. Psalm 119:105 says: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Open your heart to Jesus, obey His Word, and He will guide your life. This is Luis Palau.

I have a friend who grew up in a very religious home. As a child, she was taught that reading the Bible should be the responsibility of the male patriarchs in her church—and she should simply listen to their wisdom. At a time when Bibles weren’t widely circulated, I understand how this occurred. But my friend, Scripture is God’s Word. It is much too important to be left exclusively to biblical scholars. Theology is too vital to be solely for theologians. God intends to be present, and part of our everyday lives. His Word is not only for discussion in highbrow academic settings, or by people who have degrees from Bible colleges. The power of God’s word can change lives. Sometimes, this works when we listen to a Bible scholar or a pastor share a message—sure. Other times, God works in our own hearts, in the comfort of our own homes, as we ourselves read through His word on our own. Today, I encourage you to pick up a Bible and read the book of John. Ask God to show you His Wisdom. As you read and understand His word, you will be better equipped to share His good news with people in your life. This is Luis Palau.

A man went running and twisted his ankle. When he went to the doctor, the doctor asked, “how did this happen?” and the man said, “I don’t know!” He didn’t tell the doctor he had been out running. Now, most people who hear this story would agree that this isn’t practical. We know that doctors need to know what happened in order to help find the root of our pain – but so often, we don’t tell the doctor the full story. And we are that way too often with God. We show God want we think He wants to see, but perhaps we shield our darkness. We think, “oh, I can’t be honest about these dark thoughts, or this bad habit, because God will turn from me,” but you know what? God will never turn from you. Anyway, He already knows everything about you. It isn’t until you’re willing to share the whole truth with Jesus that you will experience His mercy and grace. The Bible says in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to purify us from all unrighteousness.” So go to God today and just confess your sins. When you have experienced the forgiveness of God and know the peace it brings, you can share it with others. This is good news we should not keep to ourselves. This is Luis Palau.

One common phrase I have heard in my years of evangelism is, “you just don’t know how much I’ve sinned…” or “God wouldn’t understand the mess I’m in!” Or, “God would never forgive me for what I’ve done.” Satan likes it when we feel as though our sin is so bad that even Jesus will forsake us. But you know what? The Bible says just the opposite. In the book of Hebrews, God says, “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Friend, never means never! There is nothing you could possibly do, no dark thought or twisted dream or sinful past that could stop God from loving you. Sure, God does not condone cruel or sinful behavior—but God will never outright leave you. He will never say, “You are a lost cause.” God wants you. He wants your heart. He wants to show the world His mercy and grace and transformative power through you. The question is, will you let Him? Today, run to God. Confess your sin. Be honest with Him. You’ll never understand the depth of His transformative power until you confess to Him who you really are. And share this truth with people around you. Nobody has fallen too far from Jesus. This is Luis Palau.

I was driving with my son recently, when he asked, “How did you get around before Google Maps?” I laughed, and told him, “When I was younger, we didn’t have GPS at all – just paper, fold-out maps.” It was a lot harder to navigate around. Today, though, we have a handy GPS map that can direct us anywhere in the world. All we have to do is follow directions. Like a GPS app, the Bible is our road map to following Jesus! When we keep our eyes focused on what Jesus does in the Bible, we are able to imitate Him. When we study how He lived, we’re empowered to live more like Him. As it says in Psalm 16:8, “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Of course, when we don’t follow Jesus, and when we don’t spend time in God’s Word, we will veer off course. In much the same way, we will get lost if we don’t have a road map. In this day and age, it’s crucial that we look to God as our Truth instead of seeking Truth or Wisdom in other areas of this world. Make it your goal today to reach your world, to direct people to the Truth that guides you. This is Andrew Palau.

Have you ever been fishing with a little kid? Most of fishing is waiting. Little kids are fine with this for about 30 seconds. Then their attention starts wandering. They start looking at birds or counting leaves. Sometimes they wander off, leaving you to hold their pole. But, if they’re not paying attention, they’ll miss it. The little tug. The bobber disappearing. Then, all of a sudden, the line goes tight. Just one tug, and suddenly, there aren’t any more distractions. Everything is about reeling in this fish, a task which requires strength and concentration. Sometimes we’re like that little kid when times are good. We know our line is in the water. We should be paying attention: for opportunities and chances to “fish for people,” and to share God’s love. But there are so many other things to look at. If we’re not paying attention, we won’t be prepared, and maybe the person who needs to hear the Good News will get away. God is the one who brings people to Himself, but He uses us. The Lord Jesus says, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men (and women)(Matthew 4:19).” We have to be alert for possibilities, to reach our world with the love of Christ. We can be fishers of men and women for Christ. What an exciting life that is! This is Luis Palau.

Summertime is always full. It’s the time when we plan vacations to see friends and family, go camping, take swimming lessons, and plan outdoor parties and barbeques. Kids are out of school, and parents take their vacation time so that the whole family can go to the beach or the lake. All of these things are good, but when we get too busy, we can forget to focus on God. God wants us to enjoy this beautiful Earth he’s given us, with the people whom we love. There’s nothing wrong with having fun and reconnecting with loved ones. What’s wrong is when those adventures take us away from staying close to Christ in His Word and in His Church. It is then that those good things can become idols. It’s like when Jesus went to visit Martha and Mary. The Bible says that Martha was distracted by serving and preparing the food. This was an important thing that needed to be done, but Jesus said that Mary, who sat and listened to Him, had chosen the best thing. (Luke 10:38-42) Our choices should never keep us from Christ. Instead, in the good times, we should be free to follow Him better, because we are filled with His joy and purpose. Then others will see that the good news of Christ doesn’t just apply when times are tough. Christ’s good news is for the good times, too. This is Luis Palau.

There are those in Oregon who enjoy the outdoors year round, but I find it much more pleasant to go on hikes in the summer, when temperatures are warm and I don’t have to sidestep any mud puddles. There are some amazing trails in the Columbia River Gorge that emerge into stunning views. On the way to the viewpoints, though, I always love looking at the trees. Oregon has some of the world’s largest evergreens which create blankets of green on the hillsides, year round. Their shade can drop the temperature by ten degrees. The wind rushes through them, creating a shush-ing noise that is peaceful and relaxing. Here’s a lesson from the trees: The part of the tree that we see is only part of the picture. Underground are intricate root systems that keep the tree nourished and upright, standing tall and strong. We can’t see the roots, but they’re there. I remember once seeing a huge, beautiful oak tree that had toppled over. It looked fine on the outside, but the roots had rotted away. It wasn’t alive anymore, and so it fell. This is how we are, too. We must be “rooted and built up in Christ,” as it says in Colossians (Colossians 2:6-7). We can put on a good show, but unless our roots are strong, we can never be truly living. Our strong roots will demonstrate to others that a life with Christ means growth, health, and peace. That’s really living! This is Luis Palau.

Summer in the Pacific Northwest is truly fantastic. Finally, the clouds part and the sun shines brightly. The temperature is warm, but not too warm. The nights are cool and clear. Oregon summers make the gloomy winters worth it. I know. I live in Oregon. It’s amazing how a few months of sunshine can make me completely forget how dark, cloudy, and damp the rest of the year is in Oregon. However, in the summer all that is forgotten. We busy ourselves with outdoor activities and vacations. School is out for the summer, we take some time off from our jobs, and we rush from family vacations to fixing the house. We can get busy with church events, too – vacation Bible school, church camp, small group barbeques. Just as we forget the grey that comes before the sunshine, we can forget that it is Christ who brings us these good times. The Bible says that every good and perfect gift comes from above, that is, from God. So, when the sun shines bright, we should be overcome with praise for the God who knows us, loves us, and gives us so many good gifts. The rain will fall again, but in the sunshine, we must give thanks to God for the joy and goodness he provides, and for His eternal salvation. Share your gratefulness with everyone in your world. Then they will understand the divine sunshine, and turn from the gloom of this fallen, sinful world into the light of Christ. This is Luis Palau.

The other day I was watching a movie and heard the classic line, “You have the right to remain silent.” For some reason, my mind immediately jumped to telling people about Jesus and I wanted to shout, “And, you have the right to speak!” Sure, we have the right to keep quiet, to stay in our little safe bubbles where all conversations are predictable. However, we’re not called to silence but to declaration. Psalm 108 says, “Let the redeemed of the lord say this” or “Let the redeemed of the Lord speak out.” As children of God, we have news too great to not tell other people. The news of Jesus Christ is way too exciting to keep only within the confines of church buildings or Bible studies. Wherever you are, and whatever you do, you have the opportunity to speak – to tell those around you of God’s son, Jesus Christ – to tell of His great love and His gift of not only eternal life, but friendship with us right now. If you’re a student, share the good news with those on your campus. If you’re employed, talk to your co-workers about Jesus. If you use public transportation, start a conversation with your neighbor. As people who know Jesus personally, let’s not hide in a shell and stay silent. Rather, let’s take Psalm 108 to heart and speak the Good News to those God has put in our lives. This is Andrew Palau.

Dr. Billy Graham, one of my mentors and a fellow evangelist, once said, “The Bible is not an option. It is a necessity.” Often, when people struggle with fear or anxiety, I see them turn to self-help books, lectures, and so-called “experts” for advice on how to cope. Sure, sometimes these things can be helpful, but for the ultimate Truth and God’s Word, I always seek answers in the Bible. When dealing with anxiety or fear, God’s Word has a lot to say. Hebrews 13:6 says, “We can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear, for what can man do to me?” And in Philippians 4:6-7, the Bible says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Consider, for a moment, your life. What can you stop worrying about? What can you stop carrying? As followers of Jesus, we can be confident in knowing that God is with us to help us through our struggles. For more wisdom for you, and others in your world, I urge you to open up the Bible this week and spend some time in God’s Word. This is Luis Palau.

Have you ever experienced a tough time in your life? I know I have! There have been several seasons in my life when things were hard. There’s no other way to say it. Times when I lost a close friend, or experienced a serious health scare, or didn’t know how I was going to pay the bills. Maybe you can relate to these situations. Or maybe you’re experiencing difficulty in a different way; like coping with loneliness, or struggling with fear about financial security, or dealing with a relationship problem. Whatever is burdening you, I want to encourage you to turn to the living God during the tough stuff. The Bible says in John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but take heart; I have overcome the world.” I encourage you to seek God’s comfort and peace by praying, reading in the Bible, or talking to a friend at church about the struggles in your life. Remain faithful even in hard times. God sees you. He knows you. He loves you. You aren’t experiencing troubles alone. He never leaves you nor forsakes you. This is Luis Palau.

Each of us has been given a measure of faith in God, but it won’t grow on its own. Athletes will tell you that they grow stronger by pushing the limits of their ability and endurance, and we must do the same with our faith in God, and His Son, Jesus Christ. When the Thessalonians in Bible times came under persecution, their faith in God grew, and they were strengthened by the power of His Spirit. Likewise, when we face struggles and cling to God through them, our faith is strengthened. A friend of mine recently lost a loved one and was laid off from his job—all within a short period of time. It was an incredibly tough season for him, but his faith grew immeasurably. Sometimes, experiencing tough times is the best way to develop a stronger faith. The Bible says in Isaiah 40:31 that, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” I encourage you to place your hope in the Lord. Soar on His wings. And let your faith be strengthened by remaining faithful—even in the tough times. This is Luis Palau.

Evangelism is not simply an exercise in communicating. To be truly effective, evangelism must be a work of the Holy Spirit, released through prayer. We must pray for wisdom, for eyes open to the opportunities we have to share the Good News. And we must pray for the right words to say. If we rely on ourselves, surely we won’t ever feel ready to tell people about Jesus. But if we pray and ask God for His timing, we will be empowered to share the Good News. Before all of my speaking events, and before I proclaim the Good News at large outdoor gatherings or churches, I always pray. I pray for people who hear the message to be open to receive it. For God to open their spiritual eyes, and give them ears to hear, and faith to believe. I pray for the right words to say. I pray for courage to speak boldly about what Jesus has done in my life. When you witness, you plant the seed of the Gospel. When you pray, you ask God to give that seed growth. I urge you to pray about who God wants you to share His message with. Pray for opportunities to speak. As 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray without ceasing.” This is Luis Palau.