Reaching Your World with Luis Palau

Have you ever thought about the fact that all good things, including Christmas, are mostly about waiting? The story of Christmas actually goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden. The day Adam and Eve partook of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, God didn’t panic. Heaven didn’t go on red alert. God had seen this coming long before creation. The Lord found Adam and Eve, sacrificed a pair of animals to clothe them, and spoke of a coming Messiah who would bring salvation to God’s people. And then, with tears running down His cheeks, He dismissed Adam and Eve from the garden. I can almost see the Lord standing by the forbidden tree, knowing that one day He Himself would return to earth. Disguised as a human baby, He grew up and let Himself be nailed to a tree, bearing the world’s sins in His own body. And by doing so, Jesus offered new, eternal life to all who believe. The Lord stooped to join the human family that we might be lifted up to join His family. God’s Son was born as the seed of woman that we might be adopted as sons and daughters of God. Jesus became sin that we might take on His righteousness. By His wounds, we are healed. What Good News this Christmas season! This is Andrew Palau.

Have you ever considered what life might be like if there was no Christmas? I mean, if Jesus had never been born? To start with, you and I would be responsible for paying for our own sins. Can you imagine that? Every time we mess up, we would be held liable. Every single time! Every bad thought we had, every action—big or small. The Bible says in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death”. I can’t even imagine living with that kind of pressure. Thankfully, God sent His Son, Jesus, to be born as a baby for us two thousand years ago. The Bible says “the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus”. He grew up and died on the cross for us. He was our substitute, paying our debt. Without Him and His remarkable love and grace, you and I would have no chance. As you think about Christmastime, consider all of this. When I look around, I see so many people who don’t yet know about Jesus, and don’t know Him personally. It makes me sad to think of people who view Christmas only as a time to receive presents. And that is why I share the story of Jesus every chance I get. And you should, too! This holiday season consider the people who don’t know Jesus in your circle of friends.. Then, share with them the truth about Christmas. There is nothing merrier or more wonderful than the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This is Luis Palau.

So many people are surviving, but not really living. Christmas movies and TV shows depict the holidays as being about presents and Santa Claus. But the holiday is so much bigger than any of that. Jesus didn’t come to fill your empty stocking, He came to fill your empty life. And mine, too! Jesus came because He has a purpose and plan for each of us. He wants to give us life that is abundant, and filled with grace and love. Jesus wants to bring you joy and peace regardless of your circumstances. The trouble is, so many people have missed out on hearing this. This Christmas, as you encounter friends and family who don’t know Jesus, I encourage you to have courage to start a conversation about Him. Start by telling them about the peace you yourself have in Jesus. Then, share about the true meaning of Christmas… John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” Sharing the Good News is the best gift you could possibly give someone this year, because it affects our lives today and it affects our eternity. So share the Good News this holiday season, won’t you? What a gift that is! This is Luis Palau.

A man once said to me, “Luis, how can I possibly be joyful at Christmas? I was unfaithful to my wife, and she left me years ago. Now, I’m alone, and filled with regret.” I told him that Jesus, our Savior, came to save us from our past sins. Even the worst of our sins. And this is all the reason we need to celebrate Him at Christmas. You know, so many people suffer with intense guilt over the bad things they may have done in the past. The enemy, Satan, likes to beat us down with shame and guilt, because it keeps us in bondage to our own sins. But Jesus came so that we might have life—and have it to the full. When we receive Jesus into our hearts, and confess our sins to God, and repent of them, we are forgiven, for good and forever. In Acts 10:15, God said to Peter, “What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.” The truth is, Jesus loves you more than you could possibly know! Regardless of the mistakes you have made, He loves you. And when He came into the earth as a baby so many years ago, He ultimately came so that He could live and die for you and me. As this Christmas approaches, open your heart to Jesus. If you feel guilt, confess. Then, rest in His grace. Tell the world about the freedom and new life you have in Jesus Christ. The Savior came to save us from our sins. This is Luis Palau.

A few years ago, Think Finance, a provider of payday loans, did a survey of 1,000 Americans and found that 45% of them would prefer to skip Christmas. These folks were sick of spending too much money on gifts. And you know, I know a lot of people who feel stressed out at Christmastime. Whether it’s related to finances, traveling, or difficult family matters, studies show that rates of anxiety increase around the holiday season. But as you’re listening today, I have news for you. It doesn’t have to be this way. The Bible tells us that Christmas should be a time filled with great joy. In Luke 2:10-11, the Bible says that, “…the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord”. This year, as Christmas approaches, I encourage you to focus on Jesus. Whatever your needs are this holiday season, and whatever is stressing you out, give it all to the Lord. Trust that Our Savior, who came into this world as a little baby, is there for you now as the resurrected Man. He loves you! Tell His story and share this joy with everyone you know. This is Luis Palau.

My sins eventually betray a serious defect deep in my heart. When we look back at all the sins we’ve committed along the way the past few weeks or months, we may have reason to worry. Sometimes you may feel, in your heart of hearts: “What’s wrong with me?” Or, perhaps better put, “Why am I so self-inclined and so God-averse? Why am I so apt to choose my will, my way, my timing...instead of choosing God’s will, God’s way, God’s timing? Why am I apt to commit various assorted little sins?” By “little,” of course, I mean little in our eyes, not in God’s eyes. Sin is sin. That I am quite glad not to murder or start a sexual affair today is no great virtue when I’m just as apt to ignore God’s presence in my life. So, here’s my prayer for both of us. It’s found in 1 Thessalonians 3:13. The prayer is this: “May [the Lord] strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.” What a wonderful prayer of blessing! Again, you’ll find it in 1 Thessalonians 3:13. Read it on your own and pray it back to the Lord. Then thank Him for giving you such a great hope. This is Andrew Palau.

Have you ever wondered if there is life after death? I once met a businessman named Ben who seemed to have it all. He had a fancy New York City apartment, a beautiful wife and children, and a lot of financial security. One day, however, Ben’s colleague passed away unexpectedly, and this caused Ben to consider some important questions. He had never been religious, but Ben began to wonder if this is all there is, or if there is life after death. As followers of Christ, we know that there is, indeed, life after death for everyone who has a relationship with Jesus and who has received Him as their Savior. What Ben came to realize was that none of his earthly possessions could help him in the grand scheme of things; no amount of money or earthly status can get a person into Heaven. Ultimately, Ben came to know and receive Jesus Christ into his heart – but there are still many people living like Ben today. People are consumed with earthly status and security, but these things mean nothing when you keep eternity in mind. The Apostle Paul said it best in Philippians 3:8 – “Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.” There is more to life than titles or status. Jesus is the One we need. This is Luis Palau.

Do you remember hearing the biblical accounts of Jesus’ miracles when you were in Sunday School? He healed the blind and the sick. He brought the dead back to life. He turned water into wine. Yes, as Christians we know that God is powerful. But sometimes I wonder: do we really believe in God’s power in our own lives today? Do you trust that God is powerful to change your entire world? Do you really, truly, deeply believe that God is capable of changing someone around you? Sometimes, I think we forget that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.” The God who created the earth is an advocate for you, and for everyone else here on earth. He wants to change your life by calling you into a relationship with Him. The question is: will you let Him? It’s tempting to try to fit God into a box, or pray to Him only on Sundays, and forget that God is capable of working in every area of our lives, every day of the week. How can you allow God’s power to do more in your life? What can you entrust Him with? How can you let Him take over in your life? Remember the promise in Isaiah: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Is. 41:10) This is Luis Palau.

God is not performance-driven. That means He won’t love you any more or any less based on how you do. You can’t earn extra love by doing more. And you can’t lose God’s love by making mistakes. God’s love is a free gift, so it can’t be earned or lost. But God does care about what we do – and we know this because God gave us a great assignment in the Great Commission. In Matthew 28: 19, Jesus says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. Are you tracking with me? This is it! This is what God wants from you. His main concern is not your performance at work or how you measure up by earthly standards. Rather, God cares about more people hearing His Good News in Jesus Christ. And He wants your help to do it. What a privilege it is to work with God to build His kingdom. What might happen if you live for more than just success here on earth? Let all of your actions give glory to God. Look for ways to share His Good News with people in your life. This is Luis Palau.

Do you believe God has something more in store for your life? There was a time in my life when I wanted to become a banker. It was a secure profession in my home country of Argentina. And I figured I’d be able to support my family in that profession. But then the Lord changed my heart, and I felt called into evangelism. Now let me tell you, there’s nothing wrong with being a banker. We need good bankers and lawyers and businesspeople. But God had something different in store for my life and it was more than I could even imagine. And yet – it was scary! Sharing the Gospel throughout the world wasn’t a “conventional” career by any means. I could have chosen to ignore God’s calling out of fear. But I chose to follow God, because I trusted Him. And boy am I glad I did! The Bible says in Ephesians 2:30 that God is able to do “far more than what we could ask or even think, according to His power at work within us.” Looking back at my life, I can tell you this is the truth. I believe God has something ‘more’ in store for you – just as He did for me. So wherever you are today, will you consider how God wants to use you to reach your world, right where you are? Then, be courageous and trust Him. This is Luis Palau.

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 followers of Jesus, we need to show and tell the world how grateful we are for the difference Jesus Christ has made in our lives. This is Andrew Palau.

As followers of Christ, Thanksgiving should be one of our favorite holidays. Sure, it isn’t a religious holiday in the sense that it celebrates the life of Christ. Instead, it reminds us of the blessings we have in Christ. Even when life is difficult, we always have the gift of salvation to be thankful for, and that is worth a Thanksgiving celebration. How do we show our thankfulness to God, though? Psalm 100 says we are to “enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him; bless his name.” Doesn’t this sound like it could be a thanksgiving dinner? Traveling, joining with other believers, praising God’s name, giving thanks aloud and with great joy. Children and grandchildren should see and feel our praises to God for His goodness. But as followers of Christ, we are called to be thankful beyond Thanksgiving. It’s part of our daily life. As Philippians says, we are commanded to “not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let [our] requests be made known to God.” So even in times of struggle and quiet, we can show our gratefulness by prayer and petition to Christ, not worrying but remembering how Christ has blessed us in the past. So, whether at Thanksgiving or as a daily occurrence, we are called to be thankful to the one who gives us life, strength, and all good things. This is Luis Palau.

The question “Who should be thankful?” seems like an easy one to answer. Everyone should be thankful, obviously. Everyone has something to be thankful for. But in reality, it’s easier said than done. Sometimes life is difficult and things go wrong. Someone loses a job, a loved one, or a dream. Maybe a family member is sick, bills are overwhelming, or the days feel lonely and hopeless. In those moments of struggle, our tendency can be to look at others and say, “Of course THEY can be thankful! Look at how perfect their lives are!”The truth is that no one’s life is perfect. This is a fallen world. We all have struggles. But as followers of Jesus, we always have reason to be thankful. Colossians says, “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” Because of Christ, we are blessed, regardless of what life throws our way. This is why Paul could write from prison about how thankful he was - he was thankful for the kindness of God given through Jesus. Thankfulness can be a difficult practice in difficult times, but when we remember that we are given life and strength from Christ, we can thank him for those gifts. Others will see and desire the same life of strength and gratitude that we show. This is Luis Palau.

As a kid, did your mom or dad ever make you write “thank you” notes? Maybe after your birthday party or after Christmas, they would sit you down at the kitchen table with a stack of notecards and stamps. You would have to write until your hand hurt, sentences like “thank you for the socks.” I know some of those thank-you notes were probably done because your parents were making you do it. It can be hard to be thankful for socks when you are a kid. But still, you wrote the notecard. Sometimes people associate thankfulness with obligation. Sometimes we feel forced to be thankful, because sometimes things in life don’t go well. In those situations, it can be hard to be thankful. Yet, the Bible calls those who love God to be grateful. In Psalms, it says, “I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord.” Thankfulness is called a sacrifice. Sacrifices are often difficult. It means we give up something, or we have to lose something – time, or habits, or other difficult things. Yet this sacrifice is what God asks of us. Our gratefulness is not based on our circumstances – it is based on our love for God. The love of God is truly something to be grateful for, regardless of our circumstances. We don’t deserve God’s love, yet He lavished it on us. Let’s share this thankfulness with the world. This is Luis Palau.

American Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year. We have presidents Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt to thank for that. Lincoln scheduled it, and Roosevelt made it a law. So every year, many Americans get that Thursday off, and we spend the day with those we love. There are many ways to celebrate Thanksgiving. Some families have a special recipe that is always made, like grandma’s pumpkin pie. Other families have a special tradition, where everyone shares what they are grateful for. Some families volunteer, helping those in need on Thanksgiving every year. These are all great things to do! Regardless of how we celebrate, taking a day for giving thanks is important. Yet as Christians, we don’t just wait until the fourth Thursday of November. Following Christ means that we are “giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph. 5:20). Did you hear that? Always and for everything! We never stop giving thanks for everything in our lives. Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday; it is a way of life for those of us who know God as our Father through Jesus Christ. When our lives are marked by thankfulness, others will want to know where our joyful gratitude comes from. Then we can introduce them to Jesus, and they can join us in our thankfulness. This is Luis Palau.