Reaching Your World with Luis Palau

It’s Christmastime, a time when wonder fills our hearts and peace settles in our souls. Right? Or perhaps you are feeling too busy for childlike wonder. Or maybe you’re just bored with it all. Think about the shepherds to whom the angels appeared. How long had it been since those men had been awestruck by anything? They were stuck in a job that was going nowhere, in a sleepy little town, with no relief on the horizon. Think about the monotony. But then what happens? An angel shows up! The angel proclaims the good news that the Savior is to be born. In Luke chapter 2, the shepherds say to each other, “‘Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened.’ They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger.” Notice that they HURRIED to Bethlehem. Think of the wonder that had overtaken them, propelling them forward! The same stirrings of awesome, innocent marvel can be yours this Christmas this year. The Good News that came 2,000 years ago is just as fresh and just as good today. Jesus Christ is alive this very moment! Won’t you yourself receive Jesus Christ into your own heart and life? Right now, even? And then, Merry Christmas to you. 

This Christmas, our focus is rightly on the Christ child. But for a moment let’s ponder Mary’s role. Mary was an obedient servant of our heavenly Father. Can you imagine her excitement as a young engaged woman? Then suddenly, with the visit of an angel, her life is forever changed. The angel explains that the Holy Spirit will come on her and she will conceive the promised Messiah. Today we see this as wonderful news, but think about Mary! People probably criticized, judged, and ostracized her for being pregnant and unwed. But how does she respond? Luke 1:38 records her saying, “I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." Mary said YES! Her mind was probably racing with all of the difficult ramifications of her decision. But she said YES.  She pressed through her fear. Mary clung to her trust in Jehovah – God Almighty - and chose to honor the Most High God. Two thousand years later, we can be thankful for this young woman’s faithfulness. And we ourselves can prepare to respond to the Lord Jesus Christ. As He knocks gently on the door of your own heart, will YOU say yes to Him today? Have you ever said yes to Jesus Christ? Have you ever received Him in your heart? And do you say yes as a believer?

If one person comes to the Lord, it’s worth it. This past season I have spent countless hours writing a book called “The Secret Life of a Fool.” It’s my story. Now that I’ve given my life to the Lord and am living for Him, many people assume that I’ve always walked the “straight and narrow.” But, that couldn’t be farther from the truth! I’ve said and done things in my past that would shock you. So, I decided to write a book – not because my past is glamorous, it’s not, but because God has worked amazing miracles in my life and I want others to know that He can do the same for them. Now, like my dad, I dream of reaching thousands. And, I pray this book will touch the hearts of many people. But, I have to stop and remind myself that even one soul would be worth all the time, edits, revisions and frustration. It’s easy to think that things aren’t worth doing unless they’re seen by many. But, the Bible says that the angels rejoice when one person comes to the Lord. If the angels have a party over one saved soul, anything we do to lead people to Jesus Christ is worth it. Reaching our world happens one person at a time - one conversation at a time. Don’t wait until you have a chance to do something “big.” If you’ve an idea on how to share your faith, do it now! If it reaches one heart or plants one seed, it’s worth it!  

I heard a sad statistic recently. It said that just about 50% of American kids today come from broken homes. This brokenness happens in many different ways. In some cases, like mine, a parent passes away. My father died when I was 10 years old. Other times, a parent leaves and neglects their responsibility toward their children. Whether you or someone you know has had to deal with divorce, death, or abandonment in their life, we can all take comfort in the Word of God and our heavenly Father. Psalm 27:10 says “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.” With Jesus in your life, you have a Father whose love never fails. Are you struggling with feeling angry toward a parent because of a broken home? Is a friend of yours harboring resentment toward their father or mother for leaving? Are they angry with God because of their situation? Encourage them to ask God to help them forgive. Letting go of the resentment will bring sweet relief. Then you can move on with freedom and grow spiritually in Jesus. Let God be your Father. As you reach your world today, know that God the Father is with you and will use you in other people’s lives.

Is there a person in your life who really knows you? A person who knows what you’re thinking by the look on your face even? A person who understands you and will stick with you? For me, it’s my wife and my children and a few other friends. They can tell by the look in my eye that I’m being playful, and when I’m very serious. They know how to react when I’m having a tough day too. Did you know that Jesus knew you before you were even born? A young man once called a radio program to speak with me. He was facing a difficult situation and struggling with how to be a man of God. He was a new believer and needed some encouragement. This is what I told him: God knows your heart! He knows each of us better than anyone else! It says in Isaiah 49:16 that God has engraved us on the palm of His hand. This young man needed to hear that God knows him thoroughly, and not only that, God delights in him and loves him. He even likes him. And what gives God the greatest joy? When we delight in Him. Psalm 37:4 says, - listen to this - “Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Encourage others this week to remember that God knows and loves them inside and out.

You know what, my friends? Sex isn’t dirty. It’s a gift from God! God created it, and in God’s eyes it is beautiful and precious, as a gift shared between husband and wife. However, God says that outside of marriage sex is wrong, and we must not give in to its temptation even though we are all tempted. The Bible doesn’t just mention that we will face temptation - it guarantees it! We all struggle with temptation of some kind. So how can we preserve purity and obey God’s commands when temptation can be so strong? The answer: Jesus living in me, and in you if you received Him as Savior. That’s what Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” When television, books, movies, Internet, and peers are encouraging and glamorizing pre-marital sex, remember that God has plans for you - plans that include prosperity, hope, a future, and purity, purity, purity. I encourage you to seek Christ and help others who are struggling with temptation to do the same. Be a resource for others to hold them accountable, and surround yourself with those who will help you stand, not drag you down. Ask God to strengthen their resolve and to show them that through the power of Jesus Christ they are strong, and they can overcome just like you and me.

I’ve heard numerous stories over the years about bullies, both in schools and in the workplace. I’ve met teenagers who are picked on so badly they are left with low self-esteem and feelings of extreme loneliness. A woman once shared with me that she had to leave her job because she felt rejected by her co-workers and under-appreciated by management. Loneliness breaks my heart, and I think it breaks God’s heart also. When others share their stories of feeling friendless and rejected, I share these words of Jesus with them, when He said,  “You are my friends if you do what I command.” If you believe in Jesus, He is your friend for eternity. Jesus went to the cross as a friend and died as a friend. He is the best friend I will ever have. “He is the friend of sinners,” Jesus’ enemies accused Him of. We can make a difference in the lives of those who feel rejected, bullied and alone. Take some time to show them you care, and tell them about the love and acceptance you’ve found in Jesus. Because of His sacrifice, we are accepted into God’s family for eternity. We are loved!

My brother, Kevin, has a son who is studying at a university. Now, my boys are both still at home as they’re not to that age yet. However, watching Kevin’s son leave for college made me think of my own two boys. The day they leave for school will be a hard one for me. I’m going to miss them. Jesus’ disciples felt the same way. When Jesus said that he was going away, they were discouraged. But, as the Bible tells us, it was good for Him to go so that the Holy Spirit could come. Don’t fret or worry about change. Change is part of life and growth. It’s easy to be comfortable with our routine and figure it will always be the same, but that’s not life. Life changes. Kids move away, a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness, an old job is lost or new job accepted… For better or for worse, things change. As followers-of-Jesus, how will we respond to change? Whenever there is a transition, people watch to see how God’s children will react. Our faith in Jesus Christ, even through changing times, may lead another to Him. Let’s keep our eyes open for ways that we can use these times to tell others of Jesus Christ.  

Life is full of transitions. Some are welcomed. Perhaps you’re getting married to the love of your life, or growing your family. But what about those unwelcome transitions born out of turmoil or mourning and grief? Some transitions are thrust upon us when we least expect them. I’ve had friends suddenly lose a child or grandchild in a tragic accident or through a long illness. The transition into life without that loved one is never easy. But God is faithful. He promises in His word that He will “never leave you, nor forsake you.” This life is a life of change and transitions. We’re always adjusting! So where can we find peace? Where can we put our hope? We can put our hope in an unchanging God whose promises are true and whose love is strong! We serve a GOOD and powerful God. When we realize that, we can face even the most tragic, horrific circumstances. I’ve heard it said that the only thing we can expect in this life is the unexpected. With all that uncertainty, our powerful God really is Good News Himself. Share this glorious news with someone today. Can you imagine facing the shifting sands of this life without the solid rock of Jesus Christ? I sure can’t.

The Bible says in Ecclesiastes, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the sun: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.” What season are you in? Perhaps you were in the season of parenting, and you’re suddenly adjusting to the season of the empty nester. Are you just leaving the season of singleness and getting married? God’s Word tells us there is a season for everything. And I’ve found that no matter what season of life you’re in, God remains the same! No matter what else is changing, rely on this solid foundation: our Father in Heaven wants you to make reaching your world a top priority. And remember that each new season and experience equips you in a new way to reach someone new with the Good News of God.

Everyone enjoys a good vacation! It’s nice to get away sometimes. But are you living a life where all you can think about is your next vacation? God created us to work and then take a Sabbath - or a day of rest - but many people are constantly thinking about their next extended rest. What if you lived a life of such powerful, dynamic ministry, that you enjoy vacations, but also can’t wait to get back to work? What if you find joy in your job beyond what you can imagine right now? We aren’t meant to only enjoy one day a week, or two weeks off every summer. God made you for more than that! He wants you to make the most of every day, right where you are, where He has planted you. In the book of Colossians God’s Word says, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  If you are vacationing- thank God for your time off! If you are in the middle of your daily schedule, thank God for the privilege of working hard for his glory! Your joyful attitude at work and at play will help you reach your world more effectively also.

What’s getting you down? Did you have a hard day at work? Or maybe you got in an argument at home with family. When the inevitable difficulties come, it can be tempting to become negative. Too many of us sink into chronic complaining. Life can be hard, but I assure you, God wants more for you and your life than constant negativity and complaining. Even when times are hard, your joy comes from the Lord, who doesn’t change! St Paul tells us in Philippians: “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.” Can you imagine the impact of Christ-followers everywhere choosing not to complain or argue? Can you imagine if we all shined like stars in the sky? Set a goal this week, a goal to go one day without complaining at all. You’ll notice how often you’re tempted to complain, and begin to fight against that temptation! Once you make it a whole day, keep adding to it! God will give you what you need to persevere! And you will be amazed how He’ll use your new positive attitude to reach your world in a winsome way.

The other day I was reading the Gospel of Luke… Jesus was on his way to Galilee and came across ten men with leprosy. They asked Jesus to have pity on them and Jesus healed them. Now, here’s the verse that stood out to me. Luke 17:15 says, “One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him.” Jesus healed ten men. Of the ten, only one returned to thank him. How convicting! Jesus has healed us too. Through His sacrifice on the cross, He has made a way for us to have a relationship with Him. We can be forgiven of our sins, spend eternity with Him in heaven and live life with Him right now. And yet, how many of us have earnestly thanked Him? Are our daily lives clearly showing people our love and gratitude for our Savior? If we’re to reach our world, people have to see that we are different. Our lives should reflect thankful hearts. As follower-of-Jesus, we need to show and tell the world how grateful we are for the difference Jesus Christ has made in our lives.  

When someone sneezes, what’s the polite thing to do? Of course you say, “Bless you.” It doesn’t matter how this custom came to be; today it is common practice. Have you ever thought about the ways your life can say, “bless you,” to God? Most certainly, HE has blessed YOU. Stop and think for a moment of the many gifts He has given you – from loved ones and health to clothing and shelter. Even if you had nothing but the saving grace of salvation through Jesus Christ’s death on the cross, it would be more than enough, wouldn’t it? The Lord graciously gives blessings to His children! But that’s not the end of it. The Bible says, “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” Did you catch that? God blesses us so that we might in turn bless others. What a privilege! When we abound in good works that bless others, we are in turn blessing the Lord! Let your heart become filled to overflowing. Think of ways you can say, “bless you” to God … not necessarily with words, but as the Bible says, “with actions and in truth.”

Have you ever said, “Thank you,” and received the response, “No problem”? It’s quite an American thing to say, but what about “You’re welcome?” Whenever I am overcome with gratitude in my life, I turn to God in prayer to thank Him for it. Sometimes the extent of my prayer is just a simple: “Thank you, Lord!” and that happens often. It’s an easy prayer to pray, and I love to do it. But what requires more effort is listening for the Lord’s voice back. Usually I feel He just wants to say, “You’re welcome, Luis.” It brings our heavenly Father much joy to bless His children with good things. The Bible says, “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” You see, God loves to bless us! He loves to receive our grateful hearts and to tenderly say in response to our gratitude, “You are welcome, my child.” Today I urge you to thank the Lord for His blessings in your life. Then take the time to listen for His response, so to speak. If we live a life of thanksgiving how much more will we be able to reach our world?