When search and rescue teams go out to save someone, it’s often because the person didn’t listen to instructions. They did not check the weather, or they went by themselves instead of with a friend or an experienced guide. Maybe they did not bring enough water, or they went off the trail instead of following the map.

There are many reasons someone won’t listen to someone else’s wisdom. Maybe they think they know better, or maybe they don’t think they need the advice. It’s the human condition to think we know best. The problem is that most of the time, we don’t know best.

When thinking about our spiritually lost friends, we need to give them the best advice of all: the wisdom that comes from God. This is the truth that we need for living our lives. God is happy to gives us wisdom; the book of James in the Bible says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God... and it will be given to you.”

The best part about relying on God’s wisdom is that it means we don’t have to rely on our own smarts to live daily. We know what happens if we try to do that: disaster! We get lost, we get confused, and we might even get hurt. This is why it’s so important to reach our world and let others know the wisdom of God found in God’s Word. It’s the only way they’ll be truly safe and rescued.                     

This is Luis Palau.

Emergencies happen on a daily basis. When one occurs in the outdoors, often a search and rescue team is called in. This could be in the ocean and require boats, in the mountains and require hiking boots, in a forest fire and require lots of water, or in a snowstorm and require shovels.

A search and rescue team needs to be willing to wade into any situation, regardless of what it may be. They usually will, because someone’s life depends on it. That is the ultimate motivation! Often these situations are uncomfortable, difficult, dangerous and maybe even painful. But the person who needs rescuing is often in worse shape than the rescuer is, so the rescuer will do anything to save them.

It should be like this with our spiritually lost friends, co-workers and neighbors. Sometimes sharing the Gospel will put us in uncomfortable situations. Some people around the world are even losing their lives to share the Good News Gospel. That is the ultimate search and rescue. The Bible says to always be ready to give an answer when you are asked about the hope that is in you. If we are ready, God will work with and through us. We need to be obediently willing to share the love of God, because doing so will reach and rescue some in our world.

This is Luis Palau.

Evangelism is like a search and rescue operation, and both require being prepared. Part of the reason people get into trouble in the outdoors is that they do not have what they need to survive. Maybe they don’t have enough food, or warm enough clothes, or they don’t have the right map. That is why it is important for the rescuers to have all the proper supplies they need.

When looking for someone lost, it’s important to know where you’re going, to have blankets and enough water, and maybe first aid supplies for a wound. Whatever the lost person needs, the rescuer needs to have or know where to find it. That way the rescuer can be safe as well.

It is the same with lost friends who need Jesus. A lot of the time they might not know what they need. They may not even know they are lost. But part of bringing someone to Jesus is having Jesus living in your life. This is why the Bible says to put on the whole armor of God - all of the elements that will guard against the attacks of the devil. You can’t rescue those around you if you yourself are in danger. When people see you are protected, they will want to know what makes your life so peaceful. With this peace of God in Christ,you can help reach your world with all that people need to know Jesus and live a life full of joy.

This is Luis Palau.

Oregonians love the outdoors. We have some beautiful mountains that just beg us to come and visit them. In the summer, they are filled with beautiful plants and wildlife. In the winter, they are great for skiing and snowboarding. People are always going camping and hiking.

And every year, search and rescue teams need to be called to look for people lost in the mountains. Many things can happen: people can lose the trail, or they can get hurt, or the weather can change unpredictably. Any of these things happening can make even an experienced outdoors-person need help getting home.

Life is always unpredictable. As the Bible says in the book of James, we don’t even know what will happen tomorrow. Only God knows. Often, we have no control over events, and sometimes bad things happen. Sometimes people get hurt or sick. And then they need help to get home: to find Jesus.

This is why evangelism is like search and rescue. Lost people need us to find them and bring them to Jesus. We know the way home: we have the maps and the gear. All we need is the willingness. Jesus is the only one who can save people from their sins. Our job is to help them out of the darkness. So help reach those in darkness in your world today.

This is Luis Palau.

Have you ever experienced a difficult time in life that causes you to question your faith? This can happen to even the most mature Christians. Something bad happens, followed by something else. And wham! We find ourselves in despair and doubt. This can be brought on by a terminal illness, the loss of a loved one, or some other tragedy. We face betrayals, financial troubles hit us, we have marital troubles, or the loss of a job.  These are the kind of things that can lead to great discouragement.

The author of the book of James, in the Bible, knew a lot about trials. In the Bible, he says, “Consider it a great joy…whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” Indeed, trials will happen.

It’s inevitable that we’ll all experience hard times. But God is with us in these trials, and difficult seasons are an opportunity to remain strong in our faith. Our trust in God during the hard times will be a testimony of His power to people around us.

This is Andrew Palau.

A dear friend of mine passed away from cancer several years ago, but even in his final days, his attitude was joyful. He was at peace, because He knew with certainty that His future was in Heaven with Jesus. Despite being in physical pain and feeling weak, he was always telling jokes and making visitors laugh. Because of this man, several nurses, doctors, and other patients were exposed to the joy that is in Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ alone. Can you imagine that? Even in his weak state, he was a testimony of the Good News.

This friend was a reminder to me that what happens to you is not as important as the choices made by you. We will all experience trials, and encounter unexpected problems. But we have a choice in how we respond. We can respond from a worldly place, or a godly place. We can react out of fear and anxiousness, or respond from a place of peace and confidence.

2 Corinthians 12:9 in the Bible says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness." We will all experience weakness and hardships, but we can have peace in knowing that God’s strength is with us. He will not forsake us.

This is Luis Palau.

Years ago, a family I know well had their home catch fire. Everyone was okay, and they were able to rebuild, but this instance caused me to consider what I would grab first if my house was on fire. What matters most to me? What few things would I save, if I had the chance?

Our lives can sometimes be chaotic. The noise of news, popular culture, and social media can clutter our thinking. But as followers of Jesus, we must resolve what matters the most to us. Surely, Jesus should be at the top of our list. The Apostle Paul said, “To me, to live is Christ.” If we’re living for Him, we then have to consider whether our actions line up with our values. Are we investing in relationships to share the Good News? Are we engaging in a community with other followers of Jesus? Are we living out His love for people in our everyday lives?

Often, people don’t clarify what matters most in their lives until difficulty strikes. But it doesn’t have to be this way. If we clarify what matters most now, we will be much more effective in living for Christ always.

This is Luis Palau

There is a popular saying I love: “Life is not a sprint, it’s a marathon." When our perspective on life changes, our behavior changes. When an athlete is training for a sprint race, their thoughts are focused on the short-term. They go fast, but they also burn out quickly. A marathon runner is different; marathon runners focus on keeping a certain pace for a long period of time. This is what keeping an eternal perspective is all about: looking at life from a wider lens.

Things that matter to you today – like that job promotion you want, the degree you’re working towards, or how your child does on his or her spelling test – don’t compare to what God says matters in the long run, which is a relationship with Him. When you keep this eternal perspective in mind, your attitude and behavior will change. And, chances are, when we remember that God is the most important thing in life, our behavior will be more pleasing to Him.

The Bible says in 1 Peter 4:7 to be “self-controlled and sober-minded.” In other words: keep an eternal perspective. Care about what really matters. And you will bless the people in your world.

This is Luis Palau.

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is about Moses. As a baby Moses was adopted by the Pharaoh’s daughter. Moses grew up in comfort, while his real family and people were persecuted. He could have ignored this and gone about his comfortable life. But Hebrews 11:24-25 in the Bible says, “By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.”

As modern-day Christians, we have to make this same choice. Are we going to try to fit in to the world? Are we going to be consumed by winning the approval of others, or gaining status or popularity? Or, are we going to devote our lives to following God’s way?

Romans 12:2 in the Bible says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Will you choose God? Look for ways to live out His calling on your life, and share His Good News with people in your world today.

This is Luis Palau.

Let me tell you about a woman named Danielle, who grew up in a broken home, and didn’t know anything about the Good News of Jesus Christ. When she was in high school, a college student named Olivia befriended her and her friends. Olivia would show up at Danielle’s sporting events to cheer her on, and even volunteered in Danielle’s high school cafeteria. Over time, Danielle and her friends formed a real friendship with Olivia.

One week, Olivia invited Danielle and her friends to attend a Young Life meeting, and the girls all went. Despite not knowing anything about Jesus, several of the girls began attending the youth group regularly. Then one night, the speaker gave an invitation. He said, “If you believe that Jesus is the Son of God who came to wash away your sins, please come forward.” And guess what? Danielle and three of her friends were saved. Right there!

Danielle’s life was changed entirely because a youth leader poured time into a relationship with her, and at the right moment, shared the Good News. This week, consider ways you can build relationships with others. Make a priority out of sharing the Good News. You just might change someone’s life – just as Olivia changed Danielle’s.

This is Luis Palau.