Reaching Your World with Luis Palau

Each time I see a racing ambulance I am reminded that life is short. At any moment, any of us could take our last breath. It’s a sobering thought. Life is fragile. Every day 155,000 people die. But, for those of us who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, we can take great comfort in the fact that God knows all these things. He is sovereign and has ultimate rule over our lives. As Psalm 139 says, “all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” My family and I were in a horrible plane crash. Ever since then I’ve looked at each day determined to live life abundantly. Though there is comfort in knowing that God has a plan, that nothing catches Him off-guard, the uncertainty of tomorrow really should be a powerful motivator for today. Because we don’t know what tomorrow holds for us, or for others, we must make the most of every day, every interaction, and every conversation. Friend, there are too many people who still need to hear about Jesus Christ. We all have a story to share. Together, we should take advantage of every day we are alive. If God has placed someone on your heart, perhaps a family member or co-worker or neighbor, don’t delay. Pray for that person and pray for your own boldness and compassion. Then share with them the Good News of Jesus Christ. Now is the best time. It’s the time you have to reach your world. This is Andrew Palau.  

Someone once asked me, “Luis, why don’t you talk more about the things God is against? You know - all of the hot-button issues.” I kind of chuckled, because isn’t this so true of us today? We want to draw a line in the sand with what we believe, and what we don’t believe, so that everyone knows where we stand. I agree that we ought to be moral people, who listen to God’s clear teachings in the Bible. We do our best to live them out in our own lives. Yet I think the best way to show the true character of God is not by screaming the things that we are against, but rather, sharing His endless, unconditional love and power. John 13:34-35 says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” This week, think about who in your life needs to experience the love of Christ. Who needs to hear about the kind of love that doesn’t depend on work or deeds? That kind of love is freely given to us by a grace-filled God. Share that Good News with that person, won’t you? This is Luis Palau.

It seems like every time I go into a bookstore, there’s another bestselling self-help book on the front shelf. “How to be successful” or “How to be rich” or “How to be happy” or “How to be fulfilled”. It’s not that I’m against reading - I’m all for reading books that grow you spiritually and mentally. But I do get dismayed by all of the man-made “self-help” on how to be this or that when the real truth for how to live is found in the Bible, and it’s actually quite a bit simpler than these books lining the shelves at the local bookstore. John 15:5 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” The truth for living a life of meaning, and purpose, of peace, and excitement, and fulfillment is this: rest in Jesus. Let Him into your heart. Walk with Him. Give Him your worries and fears. Trust Him to guide you! Pray to Him for wisdom. As you walk with the Lord, your life will change. And as others see your life change, they’ll be intrigued. That will be your opportunity to share with them about Jesus Christ. When we receive Jesus into our hearts, our troubles don’t just go away. But when we accept Him, and walk with Him, we can rely on His strength, wisdom, love, and grace to see us through anything. So, abide in Jesus. And share about Him today. This is Luis Palau.

Did you know that time is actually sacred? I think sometimes we get so caught up in running from thing to thing - errands, or school, or work meetings - that we can forget this. But the time we have each day, and more importantly, how we choose to spend it, is sacred! The Bible says in Ephesians 5:15 and 16, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time…“ and in Colossians 4:5, the Bible says, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of time.” The bottom line is, everyone knows our days are numbered, because we’ve all had to experience the loss of a loved one, or perhaps we’re experiencing aging ourselves. So we should be capitalizing on the moments we do have by living life in a way that matters. My grandson mentioned a popular phrase to me that says, “You only live once!” and it’s true. So, are you living in a way that glorifies God? Are you seeking the lost people in your part of the world, on your neighborhood street, in your apartment complex, and sharing with them about Jesus? Are you demonstrating your faith in the things you post on social media, or the way you treat strangers? Time is limited. Spend your days sharing the Good News. This is Luis Palau.

It seems like now, more than ever, this world is full of distracting noise. I was in New York; when I was in Times Square I noticed this noise more than ever. Countless advertisements everywhere you looked. Retail stores all over. Crowds of people running from place to place. It is all too easy for us to get caught up in the noise. We accept what the world is telling us through this noise: to be constant consumers, or work longer hours, or compare what we have to what our neighbor has. Whether you are a stay-at-home mom, or a businessperson, or a student, there are noises in your life. And while not all noise is bad, it can certainly be a distraction from what the Bible says we ought to be focusing on. The Bible says in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” So, this week, I encourage you to do just that. Seek God first. Carve a few minutes out of your day where you can have quiet, and listen to God. As you turn off the noise from the outside world, and you open your ears to the wisdom God has, you will be inspired to share His life changing Peace with others in your life. This is Luis Palau.

Every winter sport has longstanding traditions, guidelines, and rules. When it comes to ice fishing in Idaho, make sure you have a current fishing license, cut a hole no more than ten inches in diameter, use no more than five fishing poles, and add no more than five hooks per line. We have to abide by the established traditions and rules. When it comes to cross-country skiing in Minnesota, make sure you buy a ski pass. That way, you can ski on groomed trails in state parks or state forests, and on state or specially granted trails. Sign your ski pass and be sure to carry it with you every time you go skiing. So, what’s required when it comes to the winter sport of staying faithful to the Lord your God? It’s easy to start the year with the best of intentions. Don’t quit! Miss fifteen minutes of sleep if necessary, but don’t miss feasting on God’s Word daily. Ditto when it comes to prayer. Finally, speak well of the Savior. Do this and you’ll enjoy more of God’s blessings in more areas of your life than you ever thought possible. In Malachi 3:10 God says He will “throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be enough room to store it.” This is Andrew Palau.

Happy New Year’s Eve! I pray for you the blessing that Paul offers in 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24: “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” How good that God invites us to experience personal growth and wholeness. Today, let’s look at a third way, psychologically. First, we need proper exercise volitionally. How? By exercising our will for good, and by choosing God’s revealed will time after time. Second, we need proper nourishment intellectually. How? Actually, Scripture has a lot to say! By awakening our mind, Romans 12:1-2. By cultivating a discerning mind, Hebrews 5:14. By protecting our mind, Philippians 4:8. Third, we need proper rest emotionally. How? By getting a refreshing night’s sleep. By spending time with a godly friend. By reading an edifying book. By listening to uplifting music. By spending quality quiet time with the Lord. In everything, let’s give thanks to God for blessing us with the joys that come from good psychological exercise, nourishment, and rest.  This is Luis Palau.

Hebrews 4:15 [MSG] says that Jesus has “been through weakness and testing, [and] experienced it all—all but the sin.” While Jesus was the perfect Son of God, He experienced it all, indeed, including apparent personal growth. This enabled Him to relate fully with others. The same can be true for us socially. First, we need proper exercise socially. How? By cultivating existing friendships. By keeping in touch with family. By praying for others by name.  Second, we need proper nourishment socially. How? By identifying our closest friends. By cultivating deep friendships. By inviting trusted friends to speak into our lives with truth and grace. In turn, by actively encouraging our best friend to become the man or woman God wants them to be. Third, we need proper rest socially. How? By enjoying the great outdoors. By appreciating down time before an appointment. By meditating on God’s Word. By taking extended time to worship and pray privately. In everything, let’s give thanks to God for blessing us with the joys that come from good social exercise, nourishment, and rest.  This is Luis Palau.

We live in a broken world. Nothing seems all together anymore. In the midst of it all, however, God invites us to experience wholeness. You see, personal growth as whole persons is anything but optional. We see this most concisely in the Bible’s description of Jesus as a teenager in Luke 2:52. While Jesus was (and is) the perfect Son of God, here on earth as fully man, He experienced apparent personal growth four ways: psychologically, physically, spiritually, and socially. Listen as I read Luke 2:52 and you’ll see what I mean: “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” It’s vital that we do the same! Let’s start with the physical. First, we need proper exercise. Second, we need proper nourishment. Third, we need proper rest. How? Mainly, by being consistent in our sleeping patterns. Inconsistency makes us even more tired— as if we have jet lag. In everything, let’s give thanks to God for blessing us with the joys that come from good physical exercise, nourishment, and rest. After all, the Bible states that “your body is the temple of God’s Holy Spirit.” This is Luis Palau.

After Jesus’ birth, Luke 2:25-35 says: “At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. “The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, ‘Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!’ “Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, ‘This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.’” Unlike Simeon, we don’t know when Jesus is coming again. Like Simeon, let’s wait with great joy and anticipation! This is Luis Palau.

Was the first Christmas a surprise? The religious leaders at that time scoffed. Yet the Scriptures clearly predicted what was happening--and they knew it. Their answer to King Herod proved that. Isaiah alone had made two dozen prophecies fulfilled seven centuries later by Jesus, the promised Christ. So when you read Isaiah, watch out for these prophecies. They include Jesus being born of a virgin [7:14], being called Immanuel [7:14], and being anointed with the Spirit [11:2, 61:1]. They include the start of his public ministry [61:1-2] in Galilee [9:1-2], in poverty [53:2], with meekness [42:2], tenderness, compassion [40:11, 42:3], and innocence [53:9]. All those things are specifically referenced. They also include Jesus working miracles [35:5-6], being rejected [63:3], being a stumbling block [8:14], and being fiercely hated [49:7]. And they include Him suffering for others [53:4-6,12], His patience and silence amidst suffering [53:7], His appearance marred [52:14, 53:3], being spit on and scourged [50:6], being numbered with criminals [53:12], and praying for His murderers [53:12]. As well, they include Jesus’ death [53:12], being buried with the rich [53:9], His resurrection [26:19], and being the “chief cornerstone” [28:16]. Unlike the religious leaders of old, let’s actively affirm our belief in Jesus, the promised Christ. Let’s also tell others about Him this Christmastime. This is Andrew Palau. Happy Christmas everyone!

Why did the Magi risk everything? In many ways, these wise men had become holy fools—desperate, compelled, and finally obsessed. In the end, they traveled perhaps a thousand miles or more, probably in a small camel train, only to stop in Jerusalem to ask, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?” [Matthew 2:2]. Matthew goes on to say, “King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem.” The Magi may have come from a prestigious city of the ancient Medes, Persians, or Chaldeans. Braving extreme heat, sandstorms, and the constant threat of thieves, these Magi traveled for months through foreign lands to the far west—to within a day of the great Mediterranean Sea. Why their intense dedication to find Jesus Christ? Somehow, they knew that God in heaven had sent His Son to earth. Nothing more spectacular had ever happened in human history. They felt driven to welcome this child and to present Him with exquisite gifts of great wealth. Why such persistence and risk? What in the world did they hope to gain? Like the Magi, you and I have a terrible, haunting choice to make. Are we willing to risk all? If so, risk all for what? To follow and serve Jesus Christ? This is Luis Palau.

So profound were the events of the first Christmas that one angel of the Lord wasn’t enough. As soon as the angel finishes his announcement of “good tidings of great joy” to the shepherds of Bethlehem, the lights go up and a choir of hundreds—perhaps thousands—of angels celebrate in song. In words immortalized by Linus each year during the TV special, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Luke tells us:     "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” Luke 2:8-14 [KJV]. Glory to God, indeed! This is Luis Palau.

We sometimes forget that Mary and Joseph’s relatives, friends, and neighbors couldn’t understand what was happening in their lives. The same was true for Zechariah and Elizabeth. How embarrassing that Elizabeth was barren. How doubly embarrassing that Zechariah didn’t have a son. Then rumors started to fly. Why was Elizabeth in hiding? Snickering about Elizabeth during her final months of pregnancy gave way to rejoicing when her baby was born healthy and strong. When everyone gathered a week later for the Jewish circumcision ceremony, however, Elizabeth boldly confronted the older men trying to name the baby after his father. “No!” she exclaimed. “His name is John!” Their shock when Zechariah wrote, “His name is John,” was only superseded by Zechariah saying aloud, “Yes, his name is John! And praise God for all He has done!” Only then could he speak about his miraculous encounter with the angel Gabriel. Luke 1:55-56 goes on to say, “Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills. All who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, ‘What will this child turn out to be?’” The forerunner of Jesus, of course! This is Luis Palau.

Before the first Christmas, Zechariah finds himself in the presence of the angel Gabriel. Incredibly, Zechariah speaks words of disbelief, only to be told he will be unable to speak another word for nine months. Even when his young relative Mary visits Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, the old man is forced to use hand motions and write his thoughts. When he can speak again, eight days after his son’s birth, Zechariah is filled with the Holy Spirit and is anything but at a loss for words. In a divinely inspired prophecy, Zechariah declares seven enduring truths.* 1. The Lord God has visited and redeemed His people. 2. God has sent a mighty Savior from David’s royal line. 3. Zechariah’s little newborn son, John, one day would be called the prophet of the Most High, preparing the way for Jesus. 4. John will tell people how to find God’s salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.                                                                                                  5. The Savior, Jesus, is the morning star from heaven, bringing the light of salvation.                                                                                                  6. The Savior will give light to the oppressed and those near death, guiding them to the path of peace.                                                                         7. Now we can serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness, for as long as we live!                                                                                  Amen? Amen! This is Luis Palau.