Reaching Your World With Luis Palau

We all know someone who is living in the past. The person who has the regrets they won’t stop talking about. And we’ve all been there – true? And we all know someone who is living in the future. That’s the person who is constantly worried about what’s to come. And we’ve all been there – right? But the gift of Jesus, is really the gift of the present. What I mean is, as believers, we know that Jesus died for our sins. The cross has removed the shame and guilt of our past. And because of the cross, Jesus wiped our slate clean. And we know that our future is secure, because of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Nothing that happens tomorrow will detract from our eternity in Heaven. So, as followers of Jesus, we have the gift of today. We have only today. And our job, according to the Bible, is to live for Jesus right here, and right now. Mark 16:15 says, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation”. Our call is to share the message of salvation. When should we do it? Today. If God opens the do

I heard a funny story from a pastor friend recently. He had a Christian sticker on the back of his car, and one day, his wife came to him and suggested he remove it. The pastor was shocked. “Why?” he asked her. His wife looked at him and paused, before saying, “Well, sweetheart, you are a mean driver. You cut people off. Sometimes you yell things. And that’s not very Christian.” While this story is sort of funny, it brings up a good point. As followers of Jesus, we are the body of His church. Now this doesn’t mean we have to be perfect, but we should be aware of our influence. Are there areas of your life that you haven’t really turned over to God? Are there parts of you that would confuse people if they saw them? Do people at work, or at school, know that you’re a follower of Jesus by the way you act and the standards you hold yourself to? These are all important questions to consider. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; beh

A few years ago, Time Magazine published a list of the most influential people in history. The list included 100 people who contributed to society in a variety of ways. In first place was Jesus, and rightly so. Further down the list were people like Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, and King Arthur. As I read this list, I found myself thinking, “What makes a person influential for God?” I also wondered, “What if the most influential people in society used their position to share the Good News of Jesus?” The truth is, we all have some influence, whether we realize it or not. Maybe you have a child, or a sibling who looks up to you. You have influence on them. Or perhaps you’re a manager or supervisor at work; you better believe your coworkers are influenced by you! Whether or not your influence is recognized by standards of this world – you have it. So how will you use it? The Bible calls us to use our position for the glory of God. Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that the

Have you ever considered what your mission in life is? I ask because sometimes, people get so caught up in the day-to-day motions that they forget we’re called to be living with a purpose. A big purpose. An exciting plan for your life. A long time ago, when I received Jesus into my heart, my mission in life changed. Before I was walking with the Lord, I wanted to be a banker or a lawyer. I wanted to make money and be financially successful. That was it. But with Jesus, my heart shifted. My goal became more about saving the lost than building my bank account. Although, both can go together, by the way. As followers of Christ, God calls us all to help people find and follow Jesus. In fact, Jesus outlines this mission in Mark 16:15 which reads, “And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.’” (Mark 16:15) I urge you to live out God’s mission for your life. Start by considering who in your life does not yet have a relationship with Jesus. Pray for them by name, and loo

A few years ago, after a festival, a young man – call him Joe -approached me. He said, “Luis, how can I share the Good News? I’m not an evangelist. I’m not a pastor. And I’m not a missionary! I’m just an ordinary guy.” In response, I said, “Well, has God changed your life?” Of course, Joe said “Yes!” So I told him, “If God has changed your life, then you have what it takes to share the Good News! You have personal experience! You have a first-hand understanding of the power of Jesus!” Often, I see people like Joe, who are afraid to share the Gospel because they don’t have some credential that gives them some imagined authority. But the truth is, we don’t need the title of ‘Pastor’ or ‘Missionary’ to tell the Good News. All we need is a heart for Jesus, and the story of Him working in our lives. People cannot argue with how God has changed your life. So this week, be bold about telling your story. Tell the world how you went from being lost, to being found in Christ. Tell of the peace you have in Him. Be hones

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 lovi

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 wil

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

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 a

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 wh

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 t

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, “Foll

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. Inst

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

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,

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

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 i

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

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

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. Pra