Reaching Your World with Luis Palau

I recently read an article on the pursuit of happiness.  It gave ideas on ways to find happiness that don't involve spending money.  In some ways, the writer was on the right track, because we all know that money can't bring happiness. But unfortunately, the advice the author gave didn't answer the deeper question of finding contentment.  She talked about doing something like giving your money away to a worthy cause, or finding a job you enjoy.  If either of those fails, she said, simply go to the gym and get a good work out in.  "After all," she wrote, "who doesn't feel better after a good sweat?"  People are desperate to find contentment and joy, but are looking in all the wrong places. The Bible tells us that joy is found when the Lord is truly living in your life.  In fact, joy is the second in a long list of the benefits of the Spirit, (Galatians 5:22).  That comes only through a relationship with the living God! Let's you and I be the givers of Good News to the men, women, and children we meet. Even those who may look as though they have it all, are missing out on true joy without a relationship with Jesus.  So what are you waiting for?  Let's spread the joy!  

I recently read a survey that asked people what they had spent money on lately that made them happy.  One guy said it was a video game. A young girl said it was going on a trip, and a woman said it was an ipod she bought for her grandson.  Happiness - it's an interesting word.  People long for it, but it can seem so hard to maintain.  Why?  Because happiness is based on a current situation.  If you're spending money on something you want, or you're with people you enjoy, then you feel happy. But if you're having a bad day, lost your job, or struggling in a relationship, the happiness disappears. Jesus said in the Gospel of John, "I have come to make your joy complete."  He wants to give us joy, because joy is based on the indwelling Holy Spirit, not on circumstances.  So His joy can remain no matter what you're going through.  Many people are starving for joy, but they settle for happiness.  We need to be telling others about the true joy found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Perhaps you can ask your friend, "What have you spent money on lately that has made you happy?"  Then you can share the difference between joy and happiness, as you explain the Good News.  

When I attended the University of Oregon, I majored in literature. I fancied myself an intellectual. I loved Ralph Emerson’s classic essay “Self-Reliance.” One idea in particular caught my attention. “Nothing at last is sacred,” wrote Emerson, “but the integrity of your own mind.” I wanted to be an independent thinker, a self-sufficient scholar in my own mind. But here’s where the trouble begins: the only thing that mattered was me. I had no regard for my fellow man. I ignored the wisdom of the people who loved me. I put myself first. I was a single-minded rebel. The reality of my “self-reliant” attitude looked nothing like the beautiful mantra I perceived in Emerson’s words. And, in my heart, I knew my life was empty. Eventually, with the help of several godly men and women who pursued me with prayer and patience, I surrendered to the truth. We cannot rely only on ourselves. We need God. We need real fellowship. Is there something in your life that you need to put into God’s hands? Put your trust and your burdens at His feet. Practice “God-reliance” today. And, in the process, keep your eyes open for opportunities He gives to tell others of His love.   

What do you think about the Bible? Is it just another book to you? Or, is it something you cherish? Are you eager to spend time reading the pages that God has written for you? I’m convinced that each one of us needs to give the Word of God, the Bible, a real hearing. Not only is it the number one bestselling book of all time, it has influenced cultures, shaped leaders, defined societies, and dramatically changed millions of lives around the world. It was written by God Himself! The more you dig into it, the more you will realize its power. The Bible says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Did you catch that? The Bible is truth! And it offers insight into your existence. It offers moral values that, when followed, can revolutionize our world. Why is this Bible so important? It’s because it’s God’s Good News. And, it points to one person - Jesus Christ. Today, commit to reading the Bible. Spend time in the Holy Scriptures. Memorize key passages. And then, share them with a friend. This is one book that shouldn’t ever be dusty. Spend time in its pages each and every day, and encourage others to do likewise.                              

Have you ever quit making dinner right in the middle of the process? Have you quit cooking with the potatoes boiling and steak on the grill? Likely not, especially if you’re hungry. But, we often abandon other efforts before they are complete. Think about committing to a lifetime of following Jesus Christ. The bible says: “Don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost…” Did you once build your foundation on God, but later chose to leave it unattended? Do you say you trust in God, but your actions tell a different story? Don’t let it be that way! Our heavenly Father is eager to welcome His children into His eternal Kingdom. Come back!  Back to God the Father. It will be a glorious day! But we must choose every day to remain true to our calling as followers of Jesus Christ. As the Bible says, “persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Recommit your life to Jesus Christ today. Focus on knowing Him and telling others of His great love. Never stray from keeping your relationship with Christ first and foremost. Fully commit to Him and to sharing His Good News with your world.

Who in your life is a “hero” of the faith? For me, to be honest, growing up, it was my father. His faith was real. It caused him to step out and live according to his convictions. He made God’s goals his goals. And he chose to see the world the way the Lord sees it — lost and in desperate need of hope. In my many years of ministry, I’ve seen that my father’s story is not unique. It’s rare, but it is very much repeatable. And it all starts with the ordinary people like you and me – people willing to let the truth of Jesus Christ redirect their lives. The Bible says, “We live by faith, not by sight.” The people who live this way are the ones who inspire us toward greater intimacy with God. They live effective lives for God’s glory, and for the good of people. We need to count the cost, of course. But, we need to be willing to trust God, to step out in faith, and to follow purposefully after Christ. It may sound difficult, and at times it is. But as my father found for himself, and I have also come to learn, there is no life worth living outside of the cause of Christ. His priorities must be your own. And, Jesus’ priority is people. People should be our priority too. Today, tell someone in your world the Good News of Jesus Christ. It’s one of the most important things you can do.

Some years ago, a high school friend of one of our sons committed suicide. He was only sixteen. We were all shocked and overcome with sadness. This teenager, full of possibilities, did not see the big picture. He was stuck in the here-and-now, desperate, focused on the present. And his present must have been awfully bleak to him. Do you feel the same way? Do you feel stuck in the present and unable to see the wonderful future that may be coming? Friend, this is not a game. This is your life. And, how we chose to live it has eternal consequences. If you are hopeless today, consider Jesus’ love for you. Let His gift of paying the price for your wrongdoings sink in to your heart. Jesus gave his very life because He didn’t want you to be hopeless. He wants you to be Spirit-filled and full of joy. He doesn’t just give us assurance of salvation when we die. Though that is absolutely great, He offers so much more. In His own words, from the book of John in the Bible, Jesus says “I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. … My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” Take God at His word. Life is so much more than your present circumstances. Give your life to Jesus Christ today.  Surrender to Christ and you will know true hope and joy.   

The great English writer Somerset Maugham captured what’s true for all of us when he wrote, “If I set down every action in my life, and every thought that crossed my mind, the world would consider me a monster of depravity.” As I recall some of the things I’ve done, let alone the things I’ve thought, “monstrous” seems like a pretty accurate description. We’ve all sinned, fallen short, failed miserably… But, no one is beyond the infinite reach of God’s love. No matter how advantaged or disadvantaged, no matter how far from God we think we are, He is there and He calls out to each of us. And best of all, when we accept His offer of salvation, he takes our sin and puts it as far away from us as the East is from the West. Many of our sins have consequences. We have to face those. But, don’t let your past keep you from following Christ. And, don’t give up on others who seem out of reach. John 3:17 says, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” Reach out to someone today with this saving message. You approaching them in love may be just what they need to turn to the loving arms of Jesus Christ.  

In Victor Hugo’s “Les Miserables,” there is a character who doesn’t show grace – Javert. And, there is a character who is willing to show grace - Valjean.  In one part of the story, there was a poor woman working in Valjean’s factory. She was a single mother. When it was discovered that she had a child out of wedlock she was let go and forced into prostitution.  One night she is attacked, and Javert arrests her rather than her attacker.  When these things are made known to Valjean, he quickly comes to her aid.  Because he is a man of grace, he makes it clear that he would not have fired her simply because of society’s expectations.  He gets her out of trouble, takes care of her, and goes the extra mile to make sure she and her daughter are cared for.  Society would have told him to stay away from a woman with her reputation, but he helped her because he was a man of grace. He didn’t follow society’s rules- he followed God. Jesus was a man of grace too- setting aside the rules of His era and living to love other people and glorify the Father. What about us? Are you more concerned with the rules society prescribes than loving others as Jesus does?  The Bible says we love because “He first loved us.”  Will you love others this week- no matter the expectations or condemnations of others? This is Jesus’ way.

In the story of “Les Miserables,” the character Javert spends his life trying to ruin Jean Valjean’s.  It’s remarkable to see the hatred and disdain Javert has for Valjean, and the great lengths he goes to in order to take him down.  But you know, the character of Valjean is remarkable.  Having been forgiven for so much, he dedicates his life to the service of others and the service of God. He holds no grudges. Even with the man who has made it his life goal to destroy him, Valjean shows grace.  At one time Valjean has the opportunity to fire Javert, but does not. He spares the life of the man who surely wouldn’t spare his.  He generously gives grace and mercy to the man who has denied him of it his whole life. Jesus says that we are to “love those who persecute us.”  And that is exactly what Valjean did. It’s what Jesus Christ did too. He loved the very men who nailed him to a cross. And, he loves each of us too- regardless of what we have done. “Father, forgive them, they don’t know what they’re doing.” Would you love someone who made it their life goal to destroy you?  I don’t know if I could, but I’m certainly inspired by those who do. By loving those who persecute us, we honor God and show our world His love and grace.  

In the 19th century masterpiece, “Les Miserables,” the character Javert is strikingly similar to the Pharisees of Scripture. In the story, Javert spent his entire life fault-finding, finger-pointing and not extending grace or forgiveness. He was consumed by other’s wrongdoings and did not believe that anyone could ever truly change for the better.  He was convinced that once a criminal, always a criminal. You can see how Javert’s character flaws make him quite a ruthless inspector. Eventually when he realized he’d broken his own rules, he took his own life.  And you know- that is just what dead religion does. It leads to either pride in your piety or despair in your inability to keep it all going. But friend, God did not intend for us to live this way. The Good News of Jesus Christ is that He did it all. On the cross, with His last breath He proclaimed, “It is finished...”  And what glorious words those are! He didn’t say- “I did as much as I could, but I still need you to follow certain rules, and be a very good person if I’m going to love you.” Thank goodness! Jesus Christ longs to give us total forgiveness, a new life and fresh start.  He longs to help us move on from past mistakes and evil behavior. And He’s done it all!  Will you share this Great News with a friend today, and enjoy it yourself? 

“Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo is widely considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. I love it because there are so many profound theological insights to be gleaned. You’re probably familiar with the story - as a young French boy, Jean Valjean steals bread to feed his starving family.  He is caught and imprisoned for 19 years. Upon his release, he is shown kindness from several strangers and he goes on to live a remarkable life.  He becomes a Christ-follower... a force for good in the world. Yet he finds it difficult to escape his dark past. Throughout the story there are those who refuse to forgive the past, and there are those who give grace. Valjean becomes a man of grace, but he is tormented by his former prison guard, Javert.  Aren’t you thankful that we serve a God of grace? A God who longs to give us “new life” and a fresh start? The Bible says that if we come to Him and ask for His forgiveness He “remembers our sins no more.” If we call ourselves followers of Jesus Christ, we should have the same willingness to overlook people’s dark pasts when they repent, to lavish grace, to overlook faults, and to help bring others into a new life that doesn’t forever dwell on past wrongdoings.  Will you give grace to those you encounter? And, will you tell them of the grace of God that He wants to extend to them too?                               

Most of us hate guilt, but guilt played a vital role in my life. At first it was torture. There was a time when I couldn’t go to bed sober with my thoughts. The garbage of my life flooded my mind and my heart — the people I’d hurt, the lies I’d told, the abusive relationships, the addictions… Guilt overwhelmed me. But then I gave all of those things over to God. As He revealed to me what I was without Him, I had a choice. I could either continue to live in sin and death, or accept His free gift of New Life. At that point, my guilt and shame became the catalyst that encouraged me to surrender to the Lord. God showed me the sin that separated me from Him. As I cried out in repentance, He lifted that burden from me and replaced it with grace. As it says in Acts 3:19, my sins were “blotted out.” Guilt can be a catalyst for reconciliation in more than one way. Sometimes guilt prompts us to seek forgiveness from someone we’ve wronged, or convicts us to seek justice for others. But overwhelming guilt can consume your life. If you are carrying guilt around like a burden, take it before the Lord today. He wants to use you to reach the world. But first, you need to be made new in Him.              

What type of drug is now prescribed more than any other drug? Anti-depressants. That’s really amazing, when you think about it, isn’t it? We are a very depressed society. We try to act like everything is fine, and people may seem okay on the surface, but millions of people are suffering from depression, whether deep or surface. It’s so severe that they’re seeking out medical assistance for it. Given the statistics, chances are you or someone you are close to is struggling with depression. Today I want to give you a simple encouragement. It’s simple, but it’s a truth that has met the hurting and depressed for thousands of years. I simply want to tell you that Jesus is the answer. Jesus is enough! Jesus came to give you rest. He came to forgive you. He came to love you and to call you His child. For the many thousands of people who are suffering in that dark, black pit of depression, Jesus is the one who can give you freedom! Call out to Him. Pray through these words from Psalm 23, “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” If you’d like to pray with someone, right now, and receive Jesus Christ in your life, call 1-888-NEED-HIM. Jesus really is the answer, whatever the question.  

Lately, I’ve been studying Psalm 23. For many, it’s more commonly known as “the funeral Psalm.” But, I’ve been meditating on its relevance for all aspects of life- not just funerals. I think one of the best applications of this Psalm is for someone who is struggling with depression. If that’s you, read this Psalm 23. Pray over it. Think about these words, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” God wants to refresh your soul! As you’re praying for His peace, I have one other practical tip for you. When something is bothering you, write it down. There’s something about getting your concerns out of your head and onto paper that helps. It puts it in perspective, makes it specific, and often seems more manageable when you look at it there on a piece of paper. Prayerfully write down your thoughts and hurts and concerns. As you do, ask God to show you the best way to work through each one with Bible passages to guide you. It will be a testament to His work in your life when you look back on your journal later and see how God has carried you through each single trial. Read Psalm 23, and write down your concerns this week. As you let God work in your heart, you’ll be better equipped to pass it on to others.