Reaching Your World with Luis Palau

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. Pray for opportunities to speak. As 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray without ceasing.” This is Luis Palau.

Evangelism can be a lonely task. After all, proclaiming the Gospel can require leaving your comfort zone and stepping out in faith. The Bible assures us that we will face obstacles and opposition. This is why fellowship with other believers is essential. By working alongside other believers, we get the opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences, gain encouragement from common ground, and engender a revitalized boldness for sharing the Good News. Even reading the stories of great evangelists and followers of Christ can bring a shot of empowerment when you need it most. Collaboration in evangelism can also help us reach more people more effectively. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” While each of us can accomplish anything with the help of the Holy Spirit, God did not mean for us to serve Him in isolation. To gather as followers of Christ, even by the handful, is a powerful thing. And, as we demonstrate His love in our relationships with one another, we become a testimony to the world. This is Andrew Palau.

About 4:00 a.m. little Olivia was startled to tears by an ambulance siren in the street. When the babysitter had put Olivia to bed in the evening, she had forgotten to switch on the night light. However, when her mother turned on the small yellow light, the child quickly went back to sleep. The darkness was gone, and with it, her fear. It is a scientific truth that light always goes into darkness, not the other way around. Darkness cannot overcome a candle, it must wait for the flame to flicker out. But light takes effect instantaneously, as soon as a match is struck, or a switch flipped on. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16) Going into the darkness of our world can be scary, intimidating, but that is where Jesus wants us to be. Staying in our familiar, comfortable, Christian surroundings is not the way to reach our world. We need to find out where our neighbors and coworkers hang out and join them there. That’s where we can shine the brightest. And that’s where you will find opportunities to share the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ. And by the way, here’s a question: Are you walking in the light with God? Are you enjoying the light? This is Luis Palau.

I’ve just been reading Psalm 119 again, and I got excited. This psalm is all about how wonderful God’s Word is. Every verse – and there are 176 in the psalm – has something to say about how powerful and how precious it is. The first verse says, “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.” Verse 9 is for youth: “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” Verse 37 is a powerful prayer: “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.” Verse 114 gives us confidence: “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.” Do you want to be wise? Read verse 130: “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” But read it for yourself, the whole psalm. I hope it will give you a renewed love for the Word of God, and a desire to dive into it. My father taught me at a very young age the value of spending time in the Bible every day. All my adult life I have been an evangelist, speaking to people of all kinds pretty much every day. If I had to rely on just my own thoughts and my own words, I would have run out of things to say long ago. We have an invaluable treasure in the Word of God, and I encourage you to read it. Memorize verses so that when you talk to someone about Jesus, you can quote Him. This is Luis Palau.

Bob is a farmer in eastern Oregon. He first heard me preach in 1978 and immediately got the vision for an evangelistic outreach in his home town of Athena – population just over one thousand. We were not able to schedule it at the time, but Bob was persistent. Finally, everything finally fell into place, and I and a few others of our team drove across Oregon to Athena. Over half the town’s population crowded into the high school auditorium, where we had a BMX bike demo and I gave the Gospel message. About 120 people in that small community received Jesus Christ into their lives that day, and Bob was ecstatic. The dream he had for 35 years had come true! Bob’s drive and persistence are impressive. He pushed us all to get on board and do our part. He mobilized the churches in the area and got dozens of believers involved. The success of this event can be laid at the feet of that one man. Do you have a dream? Is there something God has laid on your heart? Don’t be afraid to take the first steps towards making it come true. Trust that God will make something wonderful and fruitful happen if you are persistent and faithful in working towards the goal. Remember what Galatians 6:9 says: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” This is Luis Palau.

Did you see the movie, “War Room”? In it, a Christian pastor was viewing a house that was for sale. When he went into a certain closet he could sense that a lot of praying had been done there. I’m reminded of an incident a friend of ours told us about. She was home late one evening when the doorbell rang. A young girl was on the doorstep, crying and shaking all over. It was Linda, an acquaintance of her sons’ who had been there before with a group of young people. Linda’s story was a sad one of taking one wrong step after another, until now she had reached bottom. That evening, Linda had been doing drugs with her boyfriend when she suddenly was seized by a desire to get out. She said that when she had been in my friend’s house before, she had a sense of peace and wellbeing, so now that she was in trouble and needed help, that is where she turned. My friend was able to share Christ with Linda and lead her in a prayer of repentance. In the Gospel of John, Jesus said about Himself, “I am the bread of life … I am the light of the world … I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Let’s make our homes welcoming places where we can introduce people to Jesus, who will fill all their needs. This is Luis Palau.

What do think of when you hear the word “redeem?” To be honest, one of the first things that comes to my mind is coupons. You have to redeem a coupon in order for it to have any value. Until you trade your coupon in for that free cheeseburger or half-off a pair of shoes, all you have is a slip of paper and a promise. Redemption turns an idea into a result. The Bible often uses the word “redeemed” to describe a rescue: He redeemed the Israelites from Egypt. Luke 1:68 uses the term in words of worship: “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.” Yes, past tense! God’s sacrifice of His perfect son Jesus was the catalyst that turned a promise into our salvation. Hallelujah! We have been redeemed; we have been rescued from sin. Because of Jesus, we are made new and welcomed into God’s family with open arms. We have access to the Holy Spirit in the face of struggles, and an ally who has overcome evil. We are called to live in light of this redemption on a daily basis and share this glorious news with others. This is Andrew Palau.

There are two main reasons we share the Good News with people who don’t yet know Jesus. One, so that they can be in relationship here on earth with Jesus, and two, for their eternal salvation. But what if I told you that sharing the Good News actually develops you as a Christian? What if I told you sharing the Good News Gospel actually strengthens your own faith? It does! Here’s why: people generally feel timid about sharing the Good News. So many people have approached me and said, “Luis, I’m not a Bible scholar; how will I know what to say when I share the Good News?” To which I respond, “You have to trust that God will give you the right words to say every time.” Sharing the Good News strengthens our faith because it requires us, as believers, to trust that God is already at work in people’s hearts and consciences before we show up. It requires us to lean on God for strength, wisdom, and understanding when we share His message. Today, pray about who you can share the Good News with. Then, actively look for an opportunity to do so. You’ll be surprised!Jesus says in John 10:10, “I came to give life—life that is full and good.” So go and share this truth. This is Luis Palau.

A Christian author once said, “Churches should not be a museum of good people; instead, they’re a hospital for the broken.” I love that saying, but I think many people don’t realize this. After all, how many of us actually wear our problems on our sleeves when we go to church? Sometimes, it can feel like there’s pressure to have our act together on Sunday mornings. But the reality is, Jesus didn’t come just to save the folks that appeared to have it all together. He didn’t come for the people who worked the hardest, who had the best families, who appeared to be perfect. Jesus came for everyone—including the broken, the sinners, the people who have lied, and cheated, and messed up big time. Jesus doesn’t require us to be perfect. And unlike anyone on earth, Jesus never runs out of grace for us. All He asks is that we receive Him into our hearts, and then following that, we do our best to live out His love for others. Some people in this nation have never heard that the Bible says in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life”. This week, think on that, and talk about that. Jesus came for you. For me. For everyone. This is Luis Palau.

When I’m at a barbeque and spot a bag of original Lay’s, I’m known to walk over, grab a couple, and remark, “I love potato chips!” When I’m at that same barbeque and spot my daughter, Sadie Anne, I’m known to run over, give her a hug, look straight into her eyes, and say, “I love you, Sadie Anne!” Like a potato chip? Of course not! The word “love” has an extremely wide spectrum of meanings. What is “love” according to the Bible? First, love is the greatest virtue [1 Cor. 12:31-13:13]. Second, it is the chief fruit of the Holy Spirit at work in and through our lives [Galatians 5:22-23]. Third, God is the source of all true, giving, ongoing love. God’s love for us is fully expressed by giving His Son, Jesus Christ [Titus 3:5]. God’s love also is fully expressed by adopting us as His children [Ephesians 1:5]. In both cases, God loves us with an everlasting love [Psalm 103:17]. Fourth, in 2 John 6 the apostle tells us, “Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another.” Love, then, is what motivates us to bless others in ways that matter here and now...and for eternity. This is Andrew Palau.

Think about the friends that you spend the most time with. Now, how many of those people do not follow Jesus? Do you have any friends who are not Christ-followers? It is important to have close friends who share our faith. The Bible warns us against being “unequally yoked.” Christian friends can encourage us, challenge us, support us, and point us toward Jesus. But it is easy to get stuck in our own Christian bubbles, surrounding ourselves only with people who think and believe the same as us. We can forget that our mission is like Paul’s mission after meeting Christ: to “be a witness … to everyone of what you have seen and heard.” So, we need to pop our Christian bubbles. This doesn’t mean that we have to leave our Christian friends. This just means that we need to make an effort to reach out to people who do not know Jesus. Maybe this means spending time with a co-worker outside of work. Or joining a group at the local library or community center, or a book club. Or just talk to the parents of your kids’ friends. We can always find new people to befriend. When we do, we get to know another person’s world, their joys and pains, and we can show them how Jesus can speak into those joys and pain. Once we have developed a friendship, we can’t help but tell them the good news of God’s love for them in Jesus Christ. This is Luis Palau.

American adults spend about one-third of their lives at work. That’s a lot of time! Our workplaces are part of the daily work of evangelism, where we display how God has changed our lives. We can have a good work ethic, treat others well, and engage with others honestly. We can also show everyone we work with what it looks like to “work for the Lord, not for men.” Also, because we spend so much time at work, we often get to know our co-workers well. I’ve developed great friendships with the people I work with, because I see them so frequently. They become almost like family. We should develop relationships with our fellow employees and our clients, students, or customers. Our workplaces are opportunities to show them what a true follower of Christ looks like. We might be the only Christians that our co-workers know, and some in the media often portray Christians negatively. We can fight those stereotypes by showing those we work with that the truth of Christ is freedom, love, joy, and eternal life, not hate or anger. Whatever our work is, whether it is working in an office or a store or a construction site or a living room, we should demonstrate Christ’s rule over our lives. Let’s show how following Christ makes us good people and good employees, so that others will want the goodness that we have in our lives. This is Luis Palau.

One of my favorite things is being at home with my family around me: the grandkids hanging out, my children laughing and talking, lots of food. I am so grateful for a family that loves each other and loves the Lord. Growing a godly family can be difficult, though, and part of the daily work of evangelism is filling your home with the word of God. The outside world is often loud and scary, filled with broken and sad people. Our homes need to be filled with God’s joy and be secure in God’s love. Not just for our own family’s sake but also for anyone who might come into our homes needing a safe place. Our homes can be an important place of evangelism, where we can share God’s love with those who need it. Joshua said in the Old Testament, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” This commitment should be a focus of our daily life. We need to pray for and support our families so that they grow closer to God and serve Him with joy. We also need to encourage our spouses, our kids, our grandkids, and everyone who comes into our homes. We must remind them that God loves them and has a plan for their lives. If our homes are Christ-centered, people will want to be around us and our families. Then we can share the Good News of God’s love with them and show them that they can be at home with Christ also. This is Luis Palau.

When Jesus gave the Great Commission to His followers, He said, “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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Often, we focus on the “of all nations” part, and that part is really important. We do need to spread the Good News Gospel to the entire earth. But you know who else needs to know the Gospel? The person right next to you. Your co-worker, your friend, your brother-in-law. We need to pay attention to who needs to know God’s love wherever we are. This is the daily work of evangelism. George Verwer once said, “The Great Commission is more than a call for you or me to leave where we are and go somewhere else. There is of course a great need for people to go, but there is a greater need for each of us to take up our own responsibility as part of the Church’s response to the Great Commission; to be personally involved in whatever our particular role may be.” This personal responsibility can be challenging. It affects our daily lives and interactions. But it means that we should be advancing the kingdom wherever we go and whatever we do. Spreading God’s love should just be part of who we are, a natural reaction to God’s work in our lives. We are all invited and ordered to get involved in fulfilling the Great Commission. This is Luis Palau.

Did you know that the Christmas promise—the promise of a coming Messiah—was first made thousands of years before Jesus Christ’s birth? If we miss this, we risk missing the whole point of Christmas. Christmas is about an incredible promise God made to Adam and Eve that took thousands of years to be fulfilled. It’s about that promise...and then waiting a very long time. Don’t get me wrong. At the right time, Jesus Christ was born. The Lord added scores of prophecies to His original one, telling His people precisely when, and where, and why, Jesus Christ would be born. The miracle isn’t that a handful of shepherds and wise men came to worship the newborn King of kings...but that many others didn’t flock to Bethlehem to greet His entrance into the world. The Gospel of John, chapter 1, verses 11 and 12, tells us that Jesus came to “his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” What about you? Have you received Jesus? Have you believed in His name? If not, please pray and do so today. Don’t delay. Today, receive God’s greatest gift of all. This is Andrew Palau.

Where is the Christ Child in your Christmas? If you’re not sure, please know that this can be the most wonderful holiday you have ever known. If you receive the greatest gift of God—Jesus Christ—this Christmas will have true meaning for you forever. You will have peace with God and peace in your heart, a peace unlike any the world can offer. The best way I know to put Christ back in your Christmas is to simply confess your sins to God, by faith trust that Jesus Christ’s death has paid for those sins, and receive His free gift of eternal life. If that’s your decision, then tell God now—silently if you wish—right where you are. You may wish to use this prayer. Let me help you. Repeat after me: Heavenly Father, I want to celebrate the real Christmas. I believe Your Son, Jesus Christ, lived a perfect life and then died on the cross for my sins. I don’t completely understand it, but I accept it by faith. I want to be a child of Yours, too. Please come into my life, Lord Jesus. Because You have forgiven me, I want to follow You and obey You forever. Amen. If you just prayed that prayer with me, congratulations! You have just received God’s greatest gift. This is Luis Palau.

Did you know there are actually two Christmases? One is the Christmas of commercialism and overeating, overdrinking, and overspending. The other Christmas is one of love, joy, peace, and adoration of the One whose birthday we celebrate. The real Christmas is a vivid demonstration of God’s love. In 1 John 4:9-10, the Bible says: "This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." Jesus Christ was God’s love gift to the world. He came into the world, was born of a virgin, and lived among us humans. The Christ Child of that first Christmas is the One who, 30 years later, sacrificially died for the sins of the world on a cross, and who rose again on the third day by the power of God. That is why, as we read in Romans 6:23, "the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." To experience and know God’s gift of eternal life, you must receive Jesus Christ. John 1:12 says: "To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." This privilege can be yours. Pray right now and receive God’s marvelous gift today. This is Luis Palau.

With Christmas in the air, I wonder: Where is the Child whose birthday we celebrate? During the first Christmas, angels visited shepherds with their flocks at night. At their command, the shepherds hurried back to Bethlehem to see the newborn babe, the Christ child, “the Savior of the world.” [Luke 2:8-20] Today, if your friends and neighbors want to see Jesus, where would they find Him? Thankfully, there are a number of good answers. You can invite them over to your festively-decorated home. You can take them a plate of delicious homemade holiday treats. You can buy extra tickets and invite them to go with you to a Christmas concert. What else can you do? You can invite some of your church friends to come over and help you winsomely sing Christmas carols in front of each home in your neighborhood. Or, you might do what two of my adventurous friends have done, and set up a “living room” of sorts in your driveway, complete with lamps, chairs, sofas, refreshment tables, and your favorite Christmas music. People may just flock over to join you. This Christmas, pick one thing you can do to make it easier for your friends and neighbors to find Jesus. This is Luis Palau.

The Christmas season is wonderful. Whoever invented it deserves a crown in heaven! Some people argue Christmas is pagan, that we’re celebrating a holiday to some sun god or tree. I disagree. We’re celebrating the birth of the Son of God, no matter what others may have celebrated in ages past. I’m so glad for the opportunity Christmas gives us to speak openly about Jesus Christ and His purpose in coming to earth. Even those who have no love for Jesus Christ, who are enemies of the cross, are forced to hear and even speak about Christ because signs of Him are everywhere. Stores play Christmas carols, manger scenes decorate homes, television stations broadcast Christmas specials, even newspapers and magazines publish articles about the Savior. These testimonies often soften hearts and people readily receive Jesus Christ as Savior. At Christmas time, it’s easy to get caught up in the decorating, the presents, the busyness of the season, but let’s not forget the reason behind Christmas. Take advantage of this season and share the true meaning of Christmas with at least one other person. Consider using the Bible or New Testament to offer someone the greatest gift ever—Jesus Christ. This is Luis Palau.

Every Christmas, my kids rush to unpack all the decorations. And while their primary focus is decorating the tree, I carefully unwrap the Nativity scene and put it in its spot right on the mantel. Did you know that you have a nativity too? Nativity simply means the time and place of one’s birth and as a Christian, you have both a place where you were born physically and a place where you were reborn into the family of God. In John chapter 3, Jesus tells Nicodemus “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Jesus goes on to say “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Isn’t that good news? Through Jesus, we get to start fresh. We walk away from old habits, sadness, broken hearts, hopelessness, and we can accept new hope and life through Jesus. In this holiday season, let every carol, every manger scene, every Christmas card, and every time we hear someone say “Merry Christmas” be a constant reminder of the new life Christ has given us through His life, death and resurrection. Be sure to share this joy and hope with others in your world who need to hear the Good News. This is Andrew Palau.

How many of you parents have said to your kids, “Christmas isn’t about receiving, it’s about giving?” It can be hard, though, when everything on TV and the internet says, ask for more, more, more! Even adults get into this mindset. Christmas is all about us. We want to have the perfect storybook Christmas, where we make all of the cookies we love and do all of the events we want to do. Christmas becomes about us doing what we want, instead of remembering that Christ has always asked us to “take up our crosses and follow Him.” While that verse reminds us of Easter, not Christmas, the life of a Christian always has both in mind: the cradle and the cross. So, even at Christmas, we can be looking for ways to give of ourselves and our time – because that is what Jesus would have us do. He did that Himself, didn’t He? Remembering the cross at Christmas might mean, for some of us, spending Christmas day at a local soup kitchen or with elderly people who no longer have families. It might mean setting up the chairs for Christmas Eve service, and staying long after to clean up. It might mean inviting someone who is alone this Christmas to dinner. And here’s the best part: we will be blessed as we bless others. As we share the light of Christ with them, we will feel the light of Christ become brighter and stronger in our own hearts! What world-changing work Jesus has called us to do! This is Luis Palau.

Christmas often means inviting people to your home, whether its family, neighbors, or co-workers. We often work hard to create the perfect holiday, making sure everyone is comfortable and welcome. But sometimes, sharing the true meaning of Christmas requires going outside of our comfy, warm houses and meeting people where they are. Sometimes we have to go to them. It can be so easy to sit in our own little bubble, assuming we are doing Christmas in the right way because we are showing people the love of Christ. Suddenly we look around and realize that everyone in our bubble already KNOWS the love of Christ. To spread the good news of Christ’s birth to those who need Him most, we need to leave our bubbles and go out to where others are, bringing Christ to them. This could look like any number of things. It could mean throwing a Christmas party for the community youth center, but first asking the kids what THEY want. Or not just donating money to a local homeless center, but asking what they need and then BRINGING it to them. Jesus says Christians are to “go into ALL the world and proclaim the Good News to everyone.” Sometimes that might mean China, and sometimes that might mean the company Christmas party. Let’s get out of our comfort zones this Christmas, and share the light of Christ. This is Luis Palau.

Where I live in Oregon doesn’t get much snow at Christmas time. It’s often grey and rainy. But I love looking at those beautiful images on Christmas cards, pictures of cozy houses with thatched roofs nestled in banks of white snow. The reason they look so inviting is that every window is bursting with light! You can just tell that the inside is warm and bright, even while the outside is cold and dark. The home just can’t contain its welcome. It shines out! Christmas is so much about hospitality, inviting other people in. I think partially it is because the blessed virgin Mary and Joseph didn’t find any “room at the inn,” and so were forced to entertain shepherds in a barn. But they still invited in the poor shepherds because the welcome of Jesus cannot be contained, no matter where He is. Wherever Jesus is, there is hope, and joy, and warmth: in barns and in homes, in cold and in clouds. We are welcome into God’s family, thanks to Jesus our Lord. Is the welcome of Jesus felt in your home this holiday season? Is your home bursting with light and warmth? Do people feel welcome in your home: not just because you have Christmas cookies and hot chocolate, but because they can sense that Jesus is there? This Christmas season, let Jesus spill out of your windows, lighting the whole street with His joy. You don’t know who needs to come in out of the cold, and into God’s loving, eternal family. This is Luis Palau.

I am always at home over Christmas, celebrating at the Palau Association Christmas party, attending events at my church, and enjoying my family. But it’s amazing how quickly “staying home for the holidays” can turn into “I’m never home during the holidays.” Christmas parties and church events start to multiply, as do Christmas programs, concerts, and open houses. Add to those wonderful things the baking, shopping, and planning holidays always seem to require, and “the most wonderful time of the year” quickly becomes “the busiest time of the year.” Christmas brings all sorts of wonderful opportunities to reconnect and enjoy our communities, but we can so easily get too busy celebrating Christmas that we forget the Christ we are celebrating. We get so busy planning the perfect Christmas that we neglect to read the Bible and learn more about the reason for the season. We get so busy running from here to there that we start missing church. Christmas is a beautiful time of the year, but we cannot neglect to remember the real reason for the season. We celebrate Christmas because “unto us a child was born, unto us a son was given!” Imagine! The Son of God chose to become a man so He could rescue us all if only we believe in Him and repent of our sins. What a blessing! What a joy! What a message that needs to be spread far and wide to everyone we know! This is 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.

Did you know Jesus traveled not only to Egypt as a young boy, but to three other countries during His public ministry? What’s more, Jesus met with people from many, many nations. They included Jewish people from a wide assortment of nations traveling to Jerusalem for the sacred feasts. They included Greeks, Romans, and others who had converted to Judaism. And they included officials, soldiers, and others serving Rome. In other words, Jesus didn’t just know and minister to Jewish people. He ministered to a Roman centurion (and all who knew him), to a Syrophoenician woman (and many in her town), to two Gadarene demoniacs (and many in that region), and to many Samaritans of all ages (in the town of Sychar). What’s more, right before His ascension back to heaven, Jesus told His disciples, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, [pause] and to the ends of the earth,” Acts 1:8 [NLT]. I’m so thankful for that last part. We are included in it. Let’s do all we can to spread the Good News of Jesus in our world. This is Andrew Palau.

Recently, as I was reading the Bible, I was struck by something about the early followers of Jesus. When Jesus called the disciples, they dropped everything and followed Him. Similarly, after Jesus appeared to the disciples shortly after His resurrection, they immediately began going out and sharing the good news everywhere. In both of these cases, they didn’t say, “I’ve met Jesus, but before I can really follow Him, I have to go to seminary. Or I have to read all of these books.” No! They had an encounter with Jesus. That was all they needed in order to start telling everyone about the gospel of Christ. There is no waiting period when you become a Christ follower. As Jesus said in Acts chapter 1, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” As soon as the Holy Spirit is in us, as soon as we start to follow Jesus, we are witnesses of Christ. If you are a new follower of Christ, or a young follower of Christ, you can start sharing His love now. Sure, it is important that you continue to learn more and more about God by reading the Bible, worshipping, and going to church. But your story is the most important part of your witness, and you already know that. Start sharing it with those around you, and see the difference you can make in reaching your world. This is Luis Palau.

People have said to me before, “Luis, I could never be an evangelist. I’m too shy.” Maybe this sounds likes you. God makes us all different. Some of us are loud talkers, and others are quiet. Some are quick to speak, and others are more cautious. Some of us like to mingle in a crowd, and others would like to be in the back of the room, serving the cake. That’s wonderful! God’s kingdom needs all sorts of people. But just because some of Christ’s followers don’t talk much doesn’t mean that they are not meant to evangelize; that is, share the Good News of Jesus Christ. We share God’s love in many more ways than just our words. In fact, our words will mean little if we do not back them up with the testimony of how we live our lives and treat other people. First John says, “Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” This isn’t saying that talk is bad. It’s just saying that actions speak as loud as words, especially if we are the type of people to use action to communicate more often than we do words. So, if you’re quiet and shy, God still needs you to spread His Good News. You can do this by serving the people in your world, and loving those who need His love. Then, when someone asks why you are different, God will give you the words and courage to share the gospel with both your words and your deeds. This is Luis Palau.

My father set a great example for me by sharing God’s love anywhere he could: on street corners, at work, with friends and strangers alike. I inherited his caring for people and his passion for proclaiming the Good News of God, whether that is in my living room or on a stage in front of thousands of people. There is nothing like the energy of being around so many people, talking about the love of God. God called me personally to be an evangelist. He made me a person who loves to travel and gets energy from talking to people. Not everyone is built like me, but those who are often are pastors and teachers, and worship leaders. We are often the ones who get excited about evangelism, sharing our stories with anyone who will listen. We are all called to be witnesses. First Peter says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” Sometimes it is easy for us to do the first part — tell our story — but hard for us to remember to do it with gentleness and respect. We sometimes become overbearing and overexcited, and we forget that God’s love doesn’t need to be pushed on people. It just needs to be presented to them. God, the Holy Spirit, lives in you and me. He will work in the listeners and they will realize how much they need Christ in their lives. This is Luis Palau.

I loved taking my kids, and then my grandkids, to the playground at the local park. But I couldn’t help but notice all of the different kids and their personalities. Some kids would go up to anyone and play with them. A stranger was just a friend they’d never met before. Other kids preferred following the more rambunctious kids. They would go down the big slide, but they liked to see someone else do it first. And then there were the kids happily playing by themselves in the sand, making designs and singing to themselves. They would stop singing anytime someone else came near them. A playground is just a miniature version of adult social situations. We can see the same personalities in any workplace or coffee shop. God has made us all different. He’s done that for a reason! We can’t all be leaders; otherwise, who would follow? We can’t all be followers, either. God has given us special gifts that we can and should use for His glory to build His kingdom. As it says in Romans, “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.” We need to be the people God has created us to be, to the best of our ability, in order to bring others to Christ. All of us! Leaders and followers, bold and shy, new believers and older disciples: we all need to find ways to reach our world by spreading the Good News Gospel to those around us. This is Luis Palau.

In His parable about the prodigal son, Jesus describes a rebellious son and a loving father. You can read this amazing, life-changing parable in Luke 15, particularly verses 11 to 24. So, what does the Lord’s parable tell us? First off, the prodigal’s father can’t wait to see his son. Day after day he watches the road, and when his son finally appears the father can’t even wait for him to get to the house – he runs out to meet him. He can’t wait to throw his arms around the young man and hug him. The father can’t wait to bless his son with radical forgiveness. In fact, he interrupts his son, who doesn’t even get to finish apologizing. The prodigal is welcomed, loved, and transformed. In his father’s words, “This son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” The father can’t wait to start celebrating. Notice what’s missing in the father’s responses. What’s missing are the harsh words, angry tones, and deep-felt heart damage created when radical forgiveness is nowhere to be seen. Indeed, the Lord’s radical forgiveness of us makes it obvious that you and I can extend instant, full, unconditional mercy and grace to those we know and love who wound or hurt us. Is there someone in your life to whom you can you show the Lord’s radical forgiveness today? This is Andrew Palau.

I’ve had many people ask me through the years, “Luis, does God really love me?” Sometimes, people tell me about the trouble they’ve been in, or the ways they have messed up their lives. They say, “how could He love me?” but I assure them—and I assure you now, yes, Jesus loves you. More than you know. And there is nothing you could ever do to stop Him from loving you. The Bible says in Romans 5:8, “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Before we were even born, God had sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for your and my sins on the cross. By doing so, He gave us the opportunity to have eternal life. This amazing gift comes to you and me because of His wonderful grace toward us. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works…” So wherever you are today, with whatever past you have, know that God loves you. Christ died for you. And He wants a relationship with you. If you haven’t prayed yet to receive Jesus into your heart, I invite you to do so now. If you’re already walking with the Lord, invite someone in your life to meet Jesus today. This is Luis Palau.

When my father died, my mother took over our family business in an effort to take care of her six children. At one point, someone purposely swindled her out of a lot of money in a business deal, causing my family very serious and deep financial pain, and poverty. The person responsible for putting us in this position never, ever came to apologize, but even so, my mother forgave him. As kids, we learned a big lesson from her. In life, sometimes people hurt us and they don’t get around to saying sorry. Sometimes, they don’t apologize because they don’t realize they hurt us. At other times, they don’t apologize because they don’t think they were wrong, or they aren’t remorseful, or they just don’t care. In any case, when we are hurt by someone, we have the choice to hold onto anger towards that person, or offer forgiveness and grace. The Bible says in Matthew 5:43-48, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” This week, consider who God might be calling you to forgive. And even if no apology has been made, forgive them. Our heavenly Father loves that! This is Luis Palau.

I know a man named Stephen who was treated poorly by someone at work. He was deeply hurt, and soon, his hurt turned into anger. When the person apologized to Stephen, he had two choices: Stephen could remain angry, bitter, and resentful or he could forgive. In life, we will all come to this point at some time, where we must choose to either show forgiveness and grace, or act out our anger and resentment. Stephen ultimately chose to forgive. As Stephen later said, “Forgiving others, even when it’s not easy, is showing God’s love.” And I couldn’t agree more! It’s relatively easy to love people who are good to us, but anyone can do that. We have to rely on God to forgive and love people who have wronged us. The Bible says in 1 John 4:19-21, “We love because He first loved us…whoever loves God must also love his brother.” This week, consider loving others the way God loves. Maybe this means showing forgiveness and grace to someone in your life. Maybe it means offering up to the Lord, through confession, our feelings of bitterness. In any case, I encourage you to love others by showing forgiveness. This is Luis Palau.

Deuteronomy 6:5 says, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might”. In the New Testament, Jesus repeats this command and even points it out as the most important commandment of all—along with loving your neighbor as yourself.So, how do we actually show our love for God? Is it by telling Him “I love you”? Is it by singing praises to Him? These are certainly good things, but they only scratch the surface. We demonstrate our love for God first, by gratefully receiving Jesus into our hearts first of all, and walking with Him. And just as you want to please someone you love, like a spouse or parent, we do our best to love God by following His commands. This doesn’t mean we have to be legalistic, and it doesn’t mean we’ll be perfect. But by trusting and obeying God our Father, we show Him our love is genuine and true. This week, consider showing God you love Him by demonstrating His love for others, His kindness, His gentleness, and His faithfulness, and His words. Others will see your life and wonder what’s different about you, and that will be a wonderful opportunity for you to share Jesus Christ with them. This is Luis Palau.

Almost everyone knows the Greatest Commandment. We find it in the books of Moses, in the writings of ancient Jewish rabbis, and on the lips of our Lord Jesus Christ and His apostles. The first part of the Greatest Commandment is fairly easy to understand. We’re to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, strength, and mind. The second part of the Greatest Commandment, however, isn’t very easy to understand. Down through the past five centuries, most English Bibles say: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” So, what does “as yourself” mean? I think a couple of new Bible translations finally make the meaning crystal clear when they say: “Love others as much as you love yourself.” First, “Love others” reminds us that everyone is our neighbor. Second, “as much as you love yourself” reminds us of the Golden Rule which says, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” That is also a quote from Jesus Himself. If you’re happy that you know the Lord, if you’re grateful that your sins are forgiven, if you’re thankful that you’re a son or daughter of the King of kings, what’s the loving thing to do? Share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others. Let’s do just that again today. This is Andrew Palau.

Within the Church, we talk a lot about sharing the Gospel with people so that they can experience God’s grace, forgiveness, and love. And we talk about sharing the Good News so that people receive eternal life. But we don’t talk a lot about sharing the Gospel because of the very real fact that Jesus promised a second coming. But I believe we should be talking about this, because the Bible promises Jesus could return at any time. It’s supposed to be a great surprise. The fact is, the Bible says in many places that there will be a second coming. In 1 Thessalonians 5:2, it says “You yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” Matthew 16:27 says, “For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.” We don’t know when Jesus will return, but we do know that it could happen at any time, so let’s start sharing the Good News with this also in mind. Let’s share the Gospel with purpose, with fervor, and with intent—because we may only have today to do so. I urge you to be bold in telling people about Jesus. Tell what He has done in your life. Share from experience. Share with conviction. This is Luis Palau.

Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered and honored for his peaceful efforts to abolish racism and racial inequality. One of his greatest quotes was, “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” I like this quote, because it’s true! Love is the only force capable of transforming people. And who is the greatest source of love? Jesus, of course! Not only did Jesus love us before we even knew Him, Romans 5:8 says, “While we were still rebels (sinners), Christ died for us.” The Bible says in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life”. As you go about your daily life, I encourage you to practice love. Love people who are hard to love by showing them grace, kindness, and forgiveness. Love people by sharing with them the free gift of salvation that’s found in Jesus Christ. Love people by never giving up on them — because God never gave up on you! As your actions reflect Christ, people will likely ask you why you’re behaving a certain way; that is where you can then share your faith. Share about Jesus, and His unending love. And explain that they, too, can receive God’s free gift of love. This is Luis Palau.

In this day and age, a lot is being made about a child’s right to their own choices on almost all issues in life. And in many ways, I think it is good for kids to cultivate their own interests. For example, we need more women in the fields of engineering and mathematics, so we should encourage little girls who show interest in these fields. But recently mainstream culture has pressured parents into not sharing their faith with their kids, in an effort to let their kids form their own beliefs, they say. The problem with this thinking is the word of God - the Bible - says very clearly that Jesus has a heart for children. As parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles – we who personally know Jesus Christ - it is our obligation to impart our faith to children as best we can. In fact, if we know how amazing God is, why on earth would we want to hide His gift of salvation from our kids? Walking daily with God is life with a capital L. The Bible says in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” If you are a parent or grandparent, I urge you to really consider how you’re sharing your faith this week with your family. Have an intentional conversation with a child in your life about Jesus. Be bold—kids are receptive, you know. This is Luis Palau.

I was in the grocery store when I heard a mother say to her son, “Jason, will you put that back on the shelf?” Jason, her young son, looked at her and said, “No.” To which the shocked mother said, “Actually Jason, that wasn’t a question. Put that back on the shelf.” When I saw this interaction, I chuckled to myself, because sometimes, I think, you and I can be like Jason towards God. God may be asking us to do something—to which we are saying no. But the reality of the situation is, some things God asks of us aren’t questions; they aren’t optional. They’re really more of commands. One example I can think of is evangelism. How often do we not share the Good News because we don’t want to, or feel uncomfortable or awkward talking to a friend? The fact of the matter is, Jesus doesn’t ask us if we feel like sharing the Gospel. The Bible doesn’t say, “will you please tell people about me when you’re feeling up to it?” Instead, the Bible says in Mark 16:15, “Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to all creation.” This week, why don’t you do just that? Share the Good News as if evangelism were not optional. Because it’s a command, not a suggestion. This is Luis Palau.

One of the most famous Bible verses is Acts 1:8. Jesus is sending His disciples to Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria. Then Jesus adds, “and to the ends of the earth.” What exactly does Jesus mean by “ends of the earth”? Is He speaking about only the areas that were known in His day...or also of unknown lands around the globe? Earlier, Jesus used the phrase “the ends of the earth” to speak of the Queen of the South’s nation 1,200 miles away. He also uses the phrase to describe all peoples everywhere. Then right before His ascension Jesus speaks the words in Acts 1:8. So, what does Jesus mean when He says to be His witnesses to “the ends of the earth”? He means it literally. He means all around the globe to every nation, starting first with the Jews in Jerusalem and Judea, second with the Samaritans, and then anywhere and everywhere else. Let’s never forget that Jesus Himself made “the ends of the earth” and knew them extremely well. His was a vast vision. And His Good News truly has reached every nation. Not everyone everywhere yet, but these are exciting days with advanced means of travel, and technology we can utilize. I believe that now, more than ever, it’s time to reach our world for Jesus Christ. This is Andrew Palau.

I have a friend who recently moved into a new home. The first day, she got all unpacked. She organized her living room furniture, put away her dishes, and hung up her clothes. She was feeling pretty good, so she decided to go out for some dinner. While she was gone, the sun went down. She arrived home in the dark. When she walked in the front door, she realized something. She didn’t know where the light switch was. She searched all over for it in the dark. When she found it, she flipped it on, only to find it didn’t turn on the overhead light. In fact, there was no overhead light! After banging her knees on her furniture, she eventually got to the kitchen, where she found a light. Suddenly, she could see where everything was! She no longer was bumping into things to find her way. A little light is a good thing! We humans aren’t made to live in the dark. But with even the smallest light, everything becomes clear. Christ said to His followers, “You are the light of the world.” But if we are hiding, we are of no use at all. The world needs lights in the dark places. Otherwise, people will stumble their way around, never getting out of the darkness. In this dark world, we know that the truth that is Jesus sets us free. Let’s brighten the world with the light of Christ’s hope and love. This is Luis Palau.

When our world erupts in chaos, it is natural to feel afraid. Life is unpredictable, and we can be fragile creatures. And yet, if we truly trust in God, that trust will make us brave. When we are brave, we can do brave things: like choosing love over fear. Choosing love can be difficult. When life is in turmoil, it can be easier to blame others and get angry. Or we can become anxious and afraid over the state of things, and do nothing. The hardest choice is to love those around us, engaging with their pain and forgiving those who contribute to the chaos. This choice will bring about a measure of healing through God’s love. As the Bible says, God’s very nature is love. So when we choose love, we bring God to those around us. We become representatives of Him, His hands and feet in this world. We take His love into every situation we encounter. Then, instead of adding to the chaos and anger, we can listen to and care for those who are in pain. This requires time, energy, and trust in God’s divine plan. It is the brave thing to do, and it is the right thing to do. Ultimately, this love of God will guide those in pain and point them to the power of Christ So, choose love over fear, and be an instrument of change in your world. This is Luis Palau.

Have you ever watched a young child and her parent, often her dad, at the neighborhood pool? She creeps up to the side of the pool, sticking her toes over the edge. Her dad is in the deep end, standing in water up to his chest. He gestures to her, telling her to “jump! Jump!” But the little girl can’t. It’s scary! The water is deep. She doesn’t know how to swim. She doesn’t know what will happen if she jumps. But her dad is in the pool. The little girl is afraid of the water, but she trusts her dad. His arms are wide open, and he is telling her to jump. So what does she do? She jumps! And what does her dad do? He catches her! And everyone claps. Maybe you were like that little girl, not so long ago. Maybe you were like her yesterday! It can be scary to jump into the unknown. The water is deep and dark. We often feel so small. But Jesus is saying, “Jump! I will catch you!” Trusting Christ is key to swimming through this world. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding,” says Proverbs chapter 3. We should jump into the mess of this world with all of our heart. When we do, we will find we are in the arms of our Savior, and able to swim through the deepest water. Others will see and admire our bravery. Then we can show them Christ. He is standing in the deep end, telling them to jump in too! This is Luis Palau.

This is a chaotic time in our world. Violence is erupting both overseas and at home, and few places feel truly safe anymore. Unwittingly, the message sent by politicians and newscasters is that we should be afraid. Being afraid is natural. Have you ever heard of “fight or flight”? This phrase describes our human reactions to fear. Some people tend to “fight.” This means when they get afraid, they want to attack the thing that scares them. Their first reaction is to destroy their fear. The other reaction is “flight.” Some people’s first instinct is to run away from the frightening thing! They want to leave and hide, remove themselves from the situation entirely. We cannot destroy our world’s chaos, but we also can’t lock ourselves away from it. So what are we to do? For Christians, there is a third option: rely on Jesus Christ. He’s the only one who can give us peace. He himself said, “In me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” We do not have to be afraid. We do not have to fight or flee. Christ already offers redemption to the world, and we can have peace, knowing that He overrules in world affairs. What good news that is! Let’s share it with those around us who are afraid. This is Luis Palau.

Just before my father died, he arranged to have a one-on-one conversation with each of his grandchildren. All their lives he had prayed earnestly and fervently for God’s rich blessings in them and through them--to bless untold thousands. He did that for each of his sons too. What an example that has been for me as I pray now for my children. Like Moses, I say this blessing over them: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace,” Numbers 6:24-26. Like Joshua, I boldly declare to one and all: “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord,” Joshua 24:15. Praying like this every day excites me about the future of my kids. I know that I can trust God to guide them as they commit their lives to Him. We also can thank the Lord daily for who He is. There’s so much to praise, including God’s sovereignty and greatness, His providence, guidance and goodness, His holiness and glory, and for His infinite, eternal love and graciousness. And how good that we can thank the Lord daily for each of our children’s hearts, lives, and futures. Let’s never stop praying for each by name. This is Andrew Palau.

My friend David had the privilege of interviewing more than a dozen third to sixth graders. Each child sat on a “hot seat” and answered five questions. The first four answers were easy: name, grade, number of siblings, and how many years they’ve gone to church. The final answer was a little tougher: talk about when it’s hard for you to trust God. David was amazed at their responses. First, they had a much shorter list of reasons than adults usually do. Second, several of the children honestly and sincerely told him, “It’s always been easy for me to trust God.” That’s exactly the way Jesus wants it to be. In the Gospels, we see Jesus blessing children. We see Him feeding them. We even see Jesus using a little boy’s sack lunch to feed the multitudes and collect 12 baskets full of leftovers. Beyond that, we see Jesus healing boys and girls who are demon-possessed and curing others who are sick and dying. He even resurrects a 12-year-old girl who had just died and an older boy who had died a few hours earlier. As we reach our world for Jesus Christ, let’s be sure to share His deep love for children. They understand it. They embrace it, and they have eternal life. This is Luis Palau.

In the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly says children are part of His kingdom. Can you work hard to get into God’s kingdom? No. Can you be good enough? No. Can you pay lots of money? No, but that’s what some grown-ups would like to do. Jesus says, That’s not the way. To get into My kingdom you have to get down lower — humble yourself — and trust Me like a child would. Some claim a small child’s belief in God doesn’t count. But that’s not the case! In 2 Timothy 3:14-15, Paul said to Timothy, “continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, [pause] and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” True, children can’t understand everything they’re taught. So? There is nothing wrong about a child’s inadequate concepts. First Corinthians 13:11 says: “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child” (NIV). The Bible doesn’t criticize a child’s way of thinking. The One who made us knows us. May we all become like little children in our unwavering trust in God, confidence in His promises, and love for the Savior who died for us. This is Luis Palau.

Why did the children love Jesus so much? They loved Him because He first loved them. They loved Him because He showed His love with broad smiles, by enthusiastic hand motions inviting them to come see Him, by laughter and affirmations, by startling words to their parents, and by not-exactly-playful words to His un-kid-friendly disciples. It’s sometimes said that adults who love children are at heart really kids themselves. That is, they’ve retained the best qualities of their childhood. While some grown-ups love to be around kids, some don’t. There’s no question which when we look at Jesus. Jesus loved to be with children. Shortly before He is betrayed, scourged, and crucified, Jesus delights in the songs and chants and worship and adoration of the children around Him in the Temple. In Psalm 8, David declares to God, “Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies…” Jesus delights in the praise of children. Let’s encourage our young friends to do just that. Let’s reach the children in our world with the holy word of God. They will believe it and receive it. This is Luis Palau.

Loving your neighbor doesn’t simply mean your literal next door neighbors, and it certainly doesn’t mean only your neighbors of similar ages. Jesus showed honor and respect, and showered love and blessing, on people of all ages. As an infant, Jesus loved His young mother, the virgin Mary...and I very much believe Jesus loved the old widow Anna, who danced and rejoiced when she found Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus with Simeon in the Temple. Shortly before He came of age for the ancient precursor of the bar mitzvah, the lad Jesus loved to spend days with His cousins racing around Jerusalem...and sitting still for hours and days listening to and talking with aged scribes and priests in the Temple. When Jesus reached the age to be recognized as a prophet, His public ministry included talking about, talking with, hugging, laying hands on, and blessing children and infants everywhere He went. Jesus declared, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Yes, Jesus loves children, and we do too, don’t we? So let’s reach out to them. They’re all over our world. This is Luis Palau.

Let me read you what a young woman named Katie wrote. She lives in my hometown, Portland, Oregon, which has a large percentage of non-religious residents. Katie wrote: "I was raised in a postmodern home where there was a void of talking about anything spiritual. I remember one of the biggest hurdles for me was actually the idea of sin. This isn’t something that is talked about in non-Christian homes. At least, not in mine. Once I was able to wrap my mind around the idea of sin and therefore the need for Jesus, the rest happened pretty quickly. I remember realizing that Jesus wanted me to know Him. I also realized that I wanted Him too, and I became a believer." We recently received this email from Stella. She said, "My youth was a time of confusion. I was a leftist militant, into New Age, metaphysics, yoga. I challenged God to show me the way of truth because I was a sceptic and did not believe in religion. In His love He heard me and I happened on a radio program where Luis Palau was speaking. His simple, effective, and convincing message penetrated, healed and restored all areas of my life." I never get tired of hearing salvation stories. It’s evident that God is still changing lives. Let’s continue to tell His Good News to those who are looking for hope and truth. This is Andrew Palau.

James Bond became a famous action hero because he always had some crazy mission that he was brazen enough to actually complete. I doubt Mr. Bond would have become such an icon if he played it safe all his life. But I’m sure you’ve noticed how in literature and movies the action heroes never play it safe. Now, I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with being safe and responsible – that’s actually admirable. But I do believe that as followers of the Lord Jesus, we’re called to live more boldly than we sometimes actually do.As followers of Christ, we are also given a very important mission: to spread the Good News Gospel to the ends of the earth! This takes courage, wisdom, and discernment. It often means we’ll be uncomfortable, but the outcome will be great. The more we can build the kingdom of Heaven, the better for people’s eternal wellbeing. Don’t you agree? The Bible says in Matthew 28:19, “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.” Isn’t it amazing that God would call you and me as human beings to be His voice around the world? Ask God what part He wants you to play in your world in this important mission. This is Luis Palau.

There is a reason that diet experts say people eat more when they sleep less. When we’re tired, we crave things that aren’t really that good for us! I personally crave ice cream. But, in all seriousness, a weary mind is one that is easily distracted. This goes for our diet, and it goes for our walk with Jesus Christ also. Think about it: when we’re spiritually tired, we’re more likely to slip up. We may do or say something we later regret. This is why it is so important to get spiritual “rest” by spending time in the Bible and in community with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Don’t pass up the opportunity to attend any retreat your church offers. My prayer for you is that you will rest in Christ this week. That you will be “strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might” — as it says in Colossians 1:11 in the Bible. Find rest in the Lord so you do not become spiritually weary and distracted. Then, you will have energy to continue fighting the good fight and sharing the Good News message with people in your life, and with people in your world. This is Luis Palau.

A lot of times people say to me, “Luis, I want to know God’s calling on my life. But I just can’t hear Him clearly.” Does this sound familiar? Maybe you have said this type of thing before. I know, in my younger years, I did! Oftentimes, people can’t hear God because we don’t make time for listening to God! We are busy, running errands and working hard in our careers, but all these good things can end up being noise. It distracts us from hearing our true calling. In order to hear God clearly, we need to create the time and space to listen to God! This means shutting down Facebook, avoiding our “to do” list, turning off the TV, and quieting the room to really be with Him. Are you making time to listen to God? Or is your schedule a little too busy? King David, in the Bible, must have been a busy man, but he wrote in Psalm 5, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” I urge you this week to clear some daily time to listen to God as David did. Ask Him for clarity about your calling. Then, ask for courage to live out the calling God has placed on your heart by the blessed Holy Spirit. This is Luis Palau.

Our lives today are full but, oddly, our souls are often running on empty. We are pushed and stretched with busy schedules and workplace to-do lists, but so many people ache for relief. For rest. For renewal. When people get burned out, they usually turn on mindless television or turn to something else mind-numbing to find rest. But God offers a kind of rest that is deeper, richer, and more meaningful than any of these things. God offers rest for our soul and renewal of our perspectives. The Bible says in Psalm 23:3, “He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” To experience God’s great renewal, all we need to do is create time and space for Him in our lives. Spend time reading the Bible. Go to church. Pray often and tell God what is going on in your life. This week, I encourage you to find rest and renewal in God. You’ll be surprised by how much more clear your vision becomes when He is the center of your life. These last few months I turned to reading the Bible on my iPhone. This year I’m daily listening to the New Testament plus the daily chapter of Proverbs. Talk about peace and rest and joy! I’m getting it. And this I’d recommend to you, my friend. This is Luis Palau.

In a few hours, Jesus will be arrested, flogged, and nailed to a cross for our sins. Peter insists he’s ready to die with Jesus. Jesus says no, Peter, instead you’ll deny me three times. Then we reach the climactic moment in the upper room. What will Jesus say next? The first thing He says is, “Let not your heart be troubled,” John 14:1. How can Jesus say that, in the circumstance? Think about what Jesus is not saying. Just before this, in John 12:27, Jesus says, “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.” So, when Jesus says, “Let not your heart be troubled,” He is not saying He and you and I will never sacrifice and suffer according to God’s eternal purposes. We will. But what’s the secret? Jesus tells us in the second half of John 14:1. Jesus says, “You believe in God. Believe also in Me.” How good that we are offered salvation and a new life because of Jesus’ death on the cross. All we must do is believe and give our hearts to Him. You can tell Him your troubles and find rest in Him. Trust God our Father who is with us – always! Then thank the Lord daily for His sovereignty and providence. This is Andrew Palau.

When life seems uncertain, where do you run? Do you go to your friends and vent about your frustrations? Do you call your parents? Do you talk to your spouse? None of these things are bad, necessarily, but the most important thing to remember during times of trouble is to stay rooted in the Lord. Psalm 9:9-10 says, “The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Have you made the Lord your stronghold? Do you trust in Him completely? Are you getting your worth and value from Him? Are you talking to Him and confessing to Him, as you would in any other relationship? These are very important questions to consider, because they will reveal where your stronghold actually is. In this world, we will have troubles, but when we are rooted in the Lord, we will have peace and strength here on earth, plus life in Heaven for eternity. Then share that peace and security with those people in your world who are looking for a stronghold to protect them. This is Luis Palau.

A woman named Sue confessed to dealing with a lot of anxiety. She said, “Honestly, the world seems to have gone mad. There’s violence on TV, corruption with world leaders, and tragedy that seems to be running rampant. How can I not be filled with fear and worry?” Sue’s view of the world is accurate in some ways. The world is unsafe. Tragedy does happen. Sin is very real. But there’s something terribly wrong with Sue’s view of the world. It’s missing the most important piece – and that is the Jesus piece. When we focus on the world for what it is – which is deeply flawed – it’s difficult to have any real hope. But when we realize that Jesus overcame the world, that He is completely sovereign, and that He is capable of bringing peace into even the most difficult situations, we can have hope and peace in our own hearts. In John 16:33 in the Bible Jesus says, “I have said these things to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” This week, if you start to feel worried or fearful or anxious, reread this Bible verse. Then, pray! Ask God to remind you who He is and ask Him to surround you with His peace. This is Luis Palau.

One of the most famous stories in the Bible is the story of David and Goliath. We first hear about David as a shepherd and the youngest of eight boys in 1 Samuel 16. He wasn’t exactly an intimidating person. Goliath, on the other hand, stood about 7 feet tall – close to 18 inches taller than the average man of that day. Goliath challenged the Israelites to send a man to fight him, saying that if he was defeated, the Philistines would be servants to the Israelites. Eventually, David found himself having to fight Goliath to protect the Israelites. So here was David, this smaller-than-average guy – coming up against a larger-than-life bully. Goliath threatened David, but David stood strong and trusted in the Lord. Despite being under-qualified, smaller, and physically less powerful, David took down Goliath. We will all face giants in our lives. And when we do, we have two choices. One is to run away in fear. The other is to trust God wholeheartedly and stand firm in our faith and convictions. Consider what the “Goliath” might be in your life. Then, make the conscious decision: “I will trust God when encountering that or any obstacle.” We know God is more powerful and more capable than even our strongest enemy. This is Luis Palau.

Did you know that anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America? In fact, 40 million Americans over the age of 18 are affected by anxiety – roughly 18 percent of the nation’s population. Perhaps you can identify with this problem. Anxiety affects people in all walks of life, but prayer and trust in God can help us work through anxious situations. Philippians 4:6-7 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.” In other words, when you pray and share your feelings with God, He will equip you with peace – even during tumultuous situations. Who do you know who suffers from anxiety? Do they know Jesus? If not, get in touch soon, offer to pray with them. Then share the Good News with them, maybe even today. Coming into a relationship with the all-knowing and all-loving God can change their life for the better. God says so Himself. This is Luis Palau.

Anyone who knows and loves Jesus is blessed. What’s more, the Lord Jesus keeps loving and blessing us as we continue in Him. If you and I love Jesus, what blessings does He offer us today? Luke tells us about three important blessings promised by Jesus. First, Jesus says, “Blessed...are those who hear the word of God and obey it,” Luke 11:38. Second, Jesus says, “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous,” Luke 14:13-14. Third, Jesus says, “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; - He was referring to the Holy Spirit, the Comforter - but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high,” Luke 24:49. Then Luke adds, “When [Jesus] had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven,” Luke 24:50-51. In other words, from the Beatitudes to the Ascension, Jesus offered wonderful, powerful, amazing blessings...blessings that He now offers to you and me today. Let’s thank Him and tell others about the blessed life they can have in Jesus. This is Andrew Palau.

A friend once told me about a metaphor of human beings being like hundred dollar bills. It sounds silly, but it actually makes a lot of sense. Our worth is a gift from God, and all of us, metaphorically, are like one hundred dollars. We cannot become any more worthy, or any less worthy—no matter what we do. Because Christianity is about a relationship, we cannot earn any more worth through religious deeds or lose God’s love through imperfection. When I think of people as one-hundred-dollar bills, it helps me, first and foremost, to treat everyone with dignity and respect. If we truly believe that God loves everybody and everybody is worth the same amount to Him, we realize that we, too, must treat everybody with love in the same way Jesus does. Along the same lines of the $100 metaphor, some people might invest their one-hundred-dollars into others by sharing the Good News. Some people might not even realize their own worth in God’s eyes. When we understand that God loves all of us equally, and we are all of significant value to Him, it gives us a reason to follow the Lord Jesus and share the Good News. Don’t wait another day to tell someone in your world about the God who loves and values them. This is Luis Palau.

When we receive Jesus into our hearts, life doesn’t always get easier. In fact, for many disciples in the Bible, life became harder when they became followers of Jesus. They dealt with persecution for their faith. They faced temptation to hide their beliefs. Many even were put to death. Today, Christians still face trials. Some of us are called “closed-minded” or mocked because of our belief in Jesus. In certain parts of the world, many Christians even risk being physically harmed because of their faith. But in the long run, in the big picture, even if we endure the absolute worst here on earth, we know that we can look forward to eternity in Heaven. And we know that Jesus walks with us each and every day, because as God’s Word teaches, “Christ lives in me.” Even when my faith causes people to treat me poorly, I cannot neglect the truth that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. I cannot turn my back on my convictions. And I cannot even imagine life without Jesus.As you hear this today, I hope you feel encouraged! A relationship with Jesus doesn’t mean life will be easier. But I promise you that life with Jesus is richer and fuller—and it lasts for eternity. This is Luis Palau.

Many people argue that Jesus is exclusive, or “just for a select few.” And others say that He is inclusive, meaning He’s for everybody. The truth of the matter is that Jesus is actually both. He is exclusive and inclusive.The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:15 that Jesus “…died for all, so those who live [will] receive His new life”. That means Jesus died for you, and me, and your neighbor down the street, and everybody. Jesus created humanity, and He desires a relationship with everyone. In this way, Jesus is inclusive. “Come to me, all of you…” Matthew 11 says. At the same time, eternal Salvation is exclusive. This does not mean you have to earn your way to Heaven, but it does mean that there is only one way to get you there. The Bible says in Matthew 7:13 that the gate to Heaven is ‘narrow’ and that few people enter through it. “Whoever believes in Him has eternal life.” This week, I encourage you to share the faith with someone in your life. Explain that Jesus is for everybody – and that not all routes lead to Heaven. You never know—you may just change somebody’s entire life with the Good News of Jesus Christ. I have seen it happen many times. There’s nothing more thrilling or exciting than that. This is Luis Palau.

If you were in a burning building and a firefighter said, “Hey! Follow me. I’ll show you the way to safety.” Would you doubt him? Of course not! Would you be offended that he said he knew the only way out? No way! This illustration is kind of like Jesus Christ. Jesus truly is the only way to eternal life. But often, we – as Christians- are afraid to say it, because we fear offending people, or being called “closed-minded”. Try thinking of the Good News gospel as a firefighter or rescue worker. The Good News message points us in the right direction. The world is filled with chaos, and many people claim they have a solution or way out. But the truth is, there’s only one way to peace. One way to eternal salvation. One way out. And that is through having a relationship with Jesus Christ. The Bible says in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” If you truly believe that Jesus is the only way, make it a priority to share His Good News today. Be a firefighter! Jude verse 23 says, “Snatch others from the fire and save them.” This is Luis Palau.

Is there any hope if someone imitates the prodigal son in Luke 15, if they wander away from our heavenly Father, and live it up in various sins season after season? Most people say, “No.” Yet if that’s what you and I think, we’ll likely never pray with hope for our wayward prodigal family members and friends. Most people also say, “Why should I care? It could never happen to me.” True, none of us wake up in the morning and say, “I think I’m going to deliberately rebel against God and screw up my life today.” No, we much more often choose to sin by degrees. How prone we are to hear God’s Word and then shortly after ponder, “Well, I am forgiven after all, and I’m not quite strong enough to obey that anyway.” The problem, as James 2:10 reminds us, is that to disobey God in one point is tantamount to rebelling against everything God has said. The answer, James goes on to say, is to humble ourselves, confess and turn from our sins, and earnestly turn back to our heavenly Father with hope and great anticipation. Is that what you want to do today? I hope it is. This is Andrew Palau.

Did you know that some of the major revolutions throughout history started with just a few people? Often, a small handful of people would rise up and rally others for one cause. And it’s been the same way within the Christian Church. Whenever I’ve seen a church renewal and revival, I can always trace it back to a small group of Christians who were broken over their sin, confessed it, were cleansed, and began a fresh walk with the indwelling Christ. Change and revival has to start somewhere—so why not let it start with you? Like, today! Often, we get caught up in living the way we’ve always lived and we accept things as the way they’ve always been—but God calls us to be active in living a godly life and sharing His Good News! God calls us to more than just church on Sundays! Psalm 51:10 says “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” And I pray this for you and me today! As you go about your week, I challenge you to spend time in prayer with God, and seek to be renewed. Then, share God’s renewing and transformative power with people in your life. This is Luis Palau.

Have you ever tasted a nice, refreshing Coca Cola? Perhaps the word “Coke” is already making your mouth water! The Coke brand has become popular all across the world, partially because of a guy named Robert Woodruff. You see, Woodruff served as the president of Coca-Cola from 1923-1955, and during that time he said his vision was for everyone in the world to taste Coca-Cola! Now that’s a a big goal! But Woodruff helped make this vision a reality because he believed passionately in the Coca Cola brand and product. This story makes me think about us as believers. How many more people would hear the Good News if we truly believed in the power of Jesus as passionately as Woodruff believed in the Coca-Cola brand? I think that if we felt this passionately about Jesus, we would feel more confident in talking to people in our life about the Good News. We wouldn’t be able to contain ourselves! The Bible encourages us in Ephesians 4:23 to be “renewed in the spirit of your minds”! This week, pray for a renewed spirit. Spend time in the Bible, and really mediate on God’s amazing truth! When you feel passionately about Jesus, you won’t be able to resist finding a way to share Him with others! This is Lui Palau.

At the end of each year, Christianity Today publishes a list of the most popular Bible verses from that year. In 2014, the number one most popular verse was Romans 12:2, which says, “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” And you know, this got me thinking about how easy it is to conform, to blend in, and to keep our faith locked up in a church on Sunday. It is easy to fall into the habit of going through the motions in our daily lives. But, where is our passion in all of this? Our excitement? Our transformation and renewal? The fact is, to be transformed we must be actively seeking God and His Will. We can do this by spending time in His Word each day, by working together with our brothers and sisters in Christ to make an impact in our community, and by sharing the Good News with more people, more often. This week I encourage you to spend time in the word each day, alone with God. Look for people to serve with. And share the Good News with someone in your life. It’s a God-given privilege! This is Luis Palau.

In my book, “Say Yes” I write about how God desires to renew you and me. But some Christians are confused when I talk about being renewed. They say, “But Luis, I am already a believer! I have already been renewed from my old ways into my new relationship with Christ!” But you see, renewal is something that the Lord can do throughout our lives. Renewal is when God wakes us up from living a certain way, and restores our passion for following His Word. With renewal, the Lord reignites our enthusiasm for sharing the Good News with nonbelievers. When we are renewed, God gives us a new passion for His Church—our brothers and sisters in Christ! And when a group of people experience spiritual renewal, the Church, community, and world benefit from the impact of people on fire for Christ – because the risen, living Lord Jesus Christ indwells us, literally! This week, I encourage you to pray over Psalm 51:12, which says, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” Seek renewal! And God will instill within you the passion to reach people, working together with His Church. This is Luis Palau.

We have a great woman, Gail, who sits on our board. She reminded us recently that life comes at us in seasons outside our control. One season that came to her she describes as the DINKS. Double Income-No Kids. Gail was happily married, both had successful jobs (double income) - but no kids. Before long, they didn’t want to be DINKS any longer but couldn’t get pregnant. As the years went by, this desire for children grew. They struggled and prayed. And in God’s plan, just as they were about to adopt, she became pregnant, ultimately having three precious children. It is hard to wait and release control of our seasons. We question God: “When? How? Why?” But His timing is perfect and hurry is not in God’s nature. Through their trials, Gail held onto Paul’s attitude described in Philippians as an example. “I consider all these things as a loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage that I may gain Christ.” Be encouraged, even in the season you are in. You still have Christ. Dealing with the season we are in from this perspective gives us the spiritual health and the authority to testify to God’s faithfulness and to reach our world. This is Andrew Palau.

It can be too easy for each generation of Christians to lose sight of our heritage. One way to stay connected to all those great saints who have gone before us is to read what they wrote, and to learn the ancient creeds that have echoed through generations of the Church. I’m sure you’ve heard the Apostle’s Creed but I thought I would say it here today as a reminder of what Christians have said together for centuries: “I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary: Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried: He descended into hell: The third day he rose again from the dead: He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty: From there he shall come to judge the living and the dead: I believe in the Holy Spirit: I believe in the worldwide church: the communion of saints: The forgiveness of sins: The resurrection of the body: And the life everlasting. Amen.” Amen! Who do you need to share this great and truthful Good News with today so they can experience life everlasting in Jesus Christ? Think about it and share it. This is Luis Palau.

It can be easy to be impatient in school. In elementary school you can’t wait for junior high. In junior high you can’t wait for high school. In high school you can’t wait for college. And in college you can’t wait to graduate and begin life after school. If you are a student, rather than always waiting for what’s next, I would encourage you to view school as your current vocation from God. Whatever grade you’re in, don’t rush through. Study hard, do your best. Make friends. Approach school with a commitment to excellence. As you work hard in your vocation of school, the Lord will open doors for spiritual conversations. God can use you where you are today to make a big difference with your classmates, teachers and other school staff. Work hard, and when matters of faith arise, boldly share what is true - that Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, that you know Him, that you revere Him, and recommend Him too. As Colossians tells us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…” You don’t have to wait until after graduation to reach your world- reach your world at school today! And God will use you in a big way. This is Luis Palau.

Jill felt overlooked. All of her friends were getting married. It seemed like one more wedding every week. She tried to be happy for her friends, but it hurt to watch, as everyone seemed to get married. Then everyone started having children. Jill was smart and funny, beautiful and talented. She had a successful career, and many friends. But she started to wonder- what’s wrong with me? Will I ever get married? Does God hear my prayer? Now, some of you single people listening may not feel this way. Perhaps you’re perfectly content in your singleness and you don’t desire marriage at this time. That is wonderful! But if you are listening today and you do feel overlooked, I want you to know that God does hear your prayers. That there is nothing wrong with you. And that while you are waiting, I pray that God would bring you comfort and peace and joy that He has promised. That you would fill up your days serving other people and sharing God’s Good News. “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.” Continue to love your friends and share in their joy. And trust in God’s perfect timing for you. Your faith during a season of waiting will be a powerful testimony to a watching world around you. This is Luis Palau

C.S. Lewis’ classic work, the Screwtape Letters, is a collection of imaginary, insightful “letters” from a wise old devil named Screwtape, advising his nephew, Wormwood, a new demon-in-training. In one letter, Screwtape writes to Wormwood, “We want a whole race perpetually in pursuit of the rainbow’s end, never honest, nor kind, nor happy now, but always using as mere fuel wherewith to heap the altar of the future every real gift which is offered them in the Present.” And you know, I’m sure most of us have been tempted to be discontent many times. Never resting in present circumstances. Always hoping to find the next best thing. We think to ourselves… If we could just… graduate college. If we could just… get married. If we could just… have a bigger ministry. If we could just… make more money. But you know, if all we’re ever thinking of is what’s next, we will miss what God wants us to do right now. Like, today! In Matthew 6:34 Jesus tells us not to, “…worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” Ask God to open your eyes to the needs around you right now, today. People who need to hear His Good News right where you are. You’ll be amazed at all the opportunities you find to reach your world when you live in the present. This is Luis Palau

The Bible has a clear message about worry: we don’t need it. Luke points out that none of us can add a single hour to our lives by worrying. So how do we deal with it? Where do we go for consolation, for comfort? At times, I’ve dealt with worry and anxiety by venting to a friend or trying to forget the issue with a few hours of TV. While these reactions may bring some immediate relief, there’s only one sure way to replace that anxiety with joy. Psalm 94:18, “When anxiety was great within me, you brought joy to my soul.” When dealing with anxiety, it’s easy to fall back on whatever activity makes us feel comfortable or safe. In many cases, these activities are harmless. They can even be a good way to vent. But the next time you’re looking for comfort ask yourself, “Will this bring joy to my soul, or is it just a distraction?” Turn to the Lord. His peace is different, deeper than the consolation the world has to offer. Give Him your anxieties and worry no more. Only His unfailing grace can bring long-term, joyful restoration to our souls. This is Andrew Palau.

Have you ever noticed yourself procrastinating when you know you have a lot to do? Perhaps you put off preparing because you’re overwhelmed by the work your project will take. Or perhaps you’re just too nervous to get started—like the student who doesn’t start a report until the night before it’s due. Or the businessman who doesn’t prepare for a meeting until the last second. In a world with constant distraction online and in social media, procrastinating has never been so easy. But have you ever stopped to think, what if today was really all we had? Would you have shared the good news with everyone you can think of? Would you have done the things that really matter? The things that matter most to God are those with eternal value: loving and serving our neighbors, and sharing the good news Gospel. The Bible, which is God’s holy Word, tells us in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.” So this week, let’s practice that self-discipline and avoid the distractions that cause us to delay, to put things off, to procrastinate. No more delays! Let’s be bold in sharing the Good News! This is Luis Palau.

Have you ever met someone who seemed to have courage—even in a terrifying situation? I have. In fact, on the news, I saw that 21 Christians in another country were killed for their faith. But this horrible story isn’t actually how the story ended; you see, even in the face of death, these 21 martyrs sang Christian hymns. They remained courageous. They remained faithful. And they rested in God’s strength until the very end. As followers of Jesus, we have access to God’s unlimited well of courage and strength—even in the worst of circumstances. The Bible tells us that God is with us in this life, and we know we will be with Him forever when we go to Heaven. So, truly, we have nothing to fear! Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” So, wherever you are today, whatever worries you’re dealing with, I want to encourage you to take heart. Trust in the Lord and lean on Him for courage and strength. Who do you know that needs to hear about God’s strength today? Who can you share the Good News of Jesus Christ with? This is Luis Palau.

Are you anxious? Are you going through a difficult time? You know, it’s normal to be stressed out every now and then, but I believe that we actually choose to forfeit peace when we do not spend time in prayer. Think about it. We usually experience the most anxiety when we are feeling busy and overwhelmed. And often, when we feel this way, we forget to set aside time to pray. But my friend, I want to remind you today that prayer has real power. Spending time talking to — and listening to — God Almighty will make a huge difference. Prayer not only releases God’s power in your life, but brings His peace into your stressful situation. Philippians 4:6 and 7 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.” So, I challenge you to spend at least 15 minutes in prayer each day. Ask God to help you through the situations causing anxiety, and ask Him to reveal who He wants you to share His Good News with. This is Luis Palau.

Have you ever had so much to do that you don’t even know where to start? A friend of mine described this feeling perfectly; she said, “sometimes, the kids need dinner, the house needs cleaning, the laundry needs folding, the dog needs to be walked—and I’m just one person. I can’t do it all!” We all have times when we feel overwhelmed by responsibilities or items on our “to-do list”. But the truth is, we really can’t do it all. We were never meant to! We were meant to lean on Jesus when things get overwhelming. To lean on Him when times are tough, or when we’re tired, or when we feel like giving up. The Bible says, in Isaiah 40:31, “But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Today, no matter how overwhelmed you might feel, I challenge you to surrender yourself to Jesus afresh. Rely on him for strength. Make notes on your iPhone or a piece of paper. Show it to the Lord and ask Him, “Lord, what’s first, what’s second, what’s third.” He’ll guide you. He does me, and He’s promised to guide you also. Life is less overwhelming when we allow our Savior to hold our hand through difficult seasons. This is Luis Palau.

I walked past an old warehouse and all I could see was a massive, decrepit building. When it was built, surely it was attractive and functional but now it desperately needed renovation. Where would you start? It made me think of the story of Gideon in the Bible. God had big plans for the Israelites but they disobeyed God, were taken into the hands of their enemies, and there began to deteriorate. They needed a revival! Gideon was the one called to this major refurbishing effort, but he didn’t feel qualified. Like an abandoned warehouse, his people were falling apart. And while Gideon heard the call, he questioned God multiple times before he forged ahead. Have you been so discouraged before that your faith seems to come to a standstill and momentum just stops? The threat is real and we can easily abandon the call of God on our lives. That’s why Paul wrote to Timothy, “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self–discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord God.” Let’s do it! Let’s allow the Word of God to renew and revive our spirits. Gideon doubted at first, but by faith went on to rescue his people. And this testimony can also be ours as we reach our world. This is Andrew Palau.

Communism is the political system that held sway in Russia for many years. Communism ruled the entire lives of the people who lived under it, and it proclaimed that there was no God. Christianity was outlawed. Atheism was taught in schools. Oleg lived in Russia during communism, and he considered himself a part of the Communist party. One day, he accidentally heard one of my sermons that was being broadcast on the radio called “The Road to Eternal Love.” He learned that no one is born a Christian and that everyone must repent of their sins and become born again. So that very day, Oleg repented of his sins and started following Jesus. Oleg’s whole family eventually came to Christ, and he became a pastor. Now his church has about 200 people in it, all serving God. Hearing about Christ made Oleg realize how empty Communism was without God. In Christianity, God loves and deeply cares for you. The Bible tells us that the fool says in his heart, “There is no God,” but for those who believe, God is a refuge. Oleg’s church is now a refuge for those who want to know the fullness of God. And this is all because Oleg accidentally heard a sermon on the radio … but there are no accidents with God. Will you share the Good News of God today, giving refuge to those who need it? This is Luis Palau.

Matt Redman’s dad died when Matt was a young boy. Years later, he found out that his father had committed suicide. In the middle of this pain and confusion, Matt clung to a truth that he had discovered a few years before. When he was 10 years old, Matt’s mother took him to a football stadium where he heard me speak about God the Father’s perfect love, in contrast to the failures of human fathers. It was then that Matt knew he had a Father in heaven. Matt began writing songs about what he was learning in his walk with God. Then he started sharing his songs at church. Now he is one of the most influential Christian songwriters of his generation. “Blessed Be Your Name,” “You Never Let Go,” “The Heart of Worship,” and other worship songs he has written are sung all over the world in churches every Sunday. He does what the Bible commands: “Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day.” This is his God-given calling! Matt never imagined the impact his music would have, but he used the gift the Lord gave him for God’s glory. Now through Matt’s music, people are coming to know the Lord better. All because a little boy needed a father and found one in God the Father. Use your gifts that God has given you to praise Him, and God can do great things. You can impact the world, as Matt does with God’s help. This is Luis Palau.

It was a dark, cold, rainy evening in Wrexham, North Wales, when Mark came to one of our crusade meetings. He was 17 years old with absolutely no interest whatsoever in God, the Gospel, or his Church. That all changed that evening. Mark decided to follow the Lord, and it took him surprising places.Seventeen years later, Mark, his wife, and their four children moved to Romania as missionaries to work with teenagers in prison and those in danger of winding up in prison. The ministry continued to grow over the next years, as they challenged teenagers and exposed them to the Gospel of truth. Because Mark found Christ as a teenager, he has a desire to minister to teenagers. He was willing to move from Wales to Romania to reach those teenagers who need to know Jesus. He is “proclaiming freedom for the prisoners,” as the book of Luke says, freedom that can only be found in Christ. He is making a difference for Jesus, reaching his world. You can too. Think about who you were when you were saved. Can you reach that type of person, telling them what you know about Jesus? Whether you were saved as a child or a teenager or as an adult, you can reach those around you with the Good News of Jesus. Everyone is a prisoner to something; Jesus can set them free. This is Luis Palau.

The Lord called me to be an evangelist, and I can see that from a young age. My father was a great Christian influence on me, taking me to hand out evangelistic Gospel tracts in neighboring towns. We were mocked and insulted, but we continued to spread the word of God — even before I was a true Christian. After I decided to follow Jesus at age 12, I was listening to a radio program in my aunt and uncle’s home. I didn’t hear the preacher’s name but his voice was vibrant and excited. Then another man’s strong deep voice started singing, “Out of my bondage, sorrow and night, Jesus, I come, Jesus I come…” I had been listening to Billy Graham and George Beverly Shea. Stretched out on that living-room floor, listening, I prayed: “Jesus, someday use me on the radio to bring others to You.” Little did I know that one day I would preach to millions of people over the radio, and that I would be in full-time ministry for over fifty years. The Lord calls all of us to spread His word, to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them. If we are obedient to God’s call, He will do great things through us, spreading the Gospel all over the world. This is Luis Palau.