We can reveal the kingdom of heaven here on earth through how we lead and interact with others. So often the leaders of movements or big churches become bigger and bigger figures. They can become idolized by the people who believe in their cause. But they are not worthy of worship; they are humans and they will mess up and disappoint. Only God should be worshipped, which is why it is important that God be the true leader of any Gospel movement. We are used by Him for His purposes.

We need to approach our work for Christ with humility and understanding. We are not the focus. Christ is the focus. So, we need to lead using Jesus as our example. He washed the dirty, dusty feet of His disciples, which was not a common action for any leader of a group. The humblest among them would wash the feet. But Jesus took that task upon himself. Soon after that, He would die on a cross, humbling himself to die among criminals. This is the Man we follow. This means getting our hands dirty, getting to know the powerless and oppressed, and sacrificing for those who need to know Christ. We should be the very opposite of glitzy and impressive; we should be humble and honest.

This is NOT how most people lead today, and so we will stand out. In good ways – to God’s glory. And we will be able to point others to the life-changing hope we have in Christ.

This is Luis Palau.

Being part of the movement to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth is not a one-time event. It requires a daily commitment and hard work. Anything that brings real and lasting change requires sustained effort over a long period of time. Think about a beautiful garden. You can’t show up, weed once, and say, “That’s it. I’ve done all I can. Now grow!” No! There will be more weeds next week, next month, and next year. For a thriving garden, you will need to weed over and over and over again. Doing so will create a safe and fertile environment for your garden to flourish. However, you might not see the benefits right away. Growth takes time and patience.

Any big change requires effort. Becoming healthier doesn’t just require exercising once, but over and over again. Breaking bad habits requires constant diligence. And learning something new requires a lot of practice. Any change requires commitment and effort.

The same is true for building the kingdom of God. When the disciples asked Jesus when He would restore the kingdom to Israel, He said it wasn’t for them to know the times or seasons that God has decided – but rather they should talke His Good News to the ends of the earth. That’s a long journey, but the message is: don’t give up; don’t get discouraged. And keep spreading the Good News across your world.

This is Luis Palau.

One way we can work to bring God’s kingdom here to earth is by joining with our Christian brothers and sisters in bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to our neighbors. I really know the importance of this. Festivals and evangelistic campaigns are big events. They require lots of people who give time and energy to advance Christ’s Good News Gospel. A citywide, united festival requires the whole Christian community to band together for the Gospel.

That doesn’t mean that we ignore the differences in the ways we worship or other secondary issues. Believers talk about these differences, and work to understand why our Christian brothers and sisters might think or practice a little differently. We should use those differences to demonstrate how to work together to share the Good News. So much of the world today is fractured and fighting; we can show what it means to work together for the salvation of our neighbors despite our differences.

Paul in Philippians urges the church to “complete [his] joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” If anything, we as Christians should be able to agree on the importance and life-changing nature of knowing Jesus. So, let’s work together as fellow believers and reach our world with the love of Christ.   

This is Luis Palau.

We all know someone who is living in the past. The person who has the regrets they won’t stop talking about. And we all know someone who is living in the future. That’s the person who is constantly worried about what’s to come. But the gift of Jesus, is really the gift of the present.

What I mean is, as believers, we know that Jesus died for our sins. The cross has removed the shame and guilt of our past. And because of the cross, Jesus wiped our slate clean. And we know that our future is secure, because of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Nothing that happens tomorrow will detract from our eternity in Heaven.

So, as followers of Jesus, we have the gift of today. We have only today. And our job, according to the Bible, is to live for Jesus right here, and right now. Mark 16:15 says, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation”. Our call is to share the message of salvation.  When should we do it? Today.

If God opens the door today, will you share about Jesus? Don’t wait for tomorrow, or worry about the past. Reach your world today.

This is Andrew Palau.

“Are we weak and heavy laden? Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.” You may recognize these words from one of my favorite hymns, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

You know, many people today are carrying a heavy load. Painful relationships. Broken hearts. Disappointments. Guilt. If that’s you, turn to Jesus right now. Not tomorrow, not this Sunday – now! Take your struggles to Him in prayer. Jesus Christ is a faithful friend who wants to listen to your troubles and the pain of your heart and give you comfort.

The Psalmist writes, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…”

I lived in a very dangerous country with my wife and three of our boys when we were missionaries.  And we received threats quite often.  My wife and boys were left alone because I traveled a lot.  I simply prayed and trusted every time a thought of fear crept into my heart.  I would turn it to the Lord and pray to the Lord.  “The angel of the Lord,” it says, “encamps around those who fear Him” and he protects them and defends them.

Share the Good News of our loving Savior with a hurting friend today.  You never know – you may lead them to faith in Jesus Christ.  And there’s no greater joy than that.

This is Luis Palau.

So many people are lonely these days. Young people, who are so connected through technology, can sometimes be the loneliest of all. Even with lots of online friends, some can feel that no one truly knows them. That no one really cares.

If you feel lonely, or if you know someone who does, I would like to recommend the old hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” If you feel lonely, I want you to know you are never alone. The hymn says, “Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness, take it to the Lord in prayer.” Even if you have plenty of friends, you will never find a friend as faithful as our Lord Jesus Christ.

Since I was ten years old, Jesus Christ truly allowed me to be called His friend.  I’ve never given up.  Now that I’m a grandpa he is a better friend than He ever was.  As a kid we sang:  “The best friend to have is Jesus, the best friend to have is Jesus,” and He’s still my friend after 70 years.

Timothy writes, “If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” What a beautiful reminder of God’s faithfulness to us. There truly is no greater friend than Jesus Christ.

This is Luis Palau.

I love all the rich spiritual truth found in Christian hymns. One of my favorites is “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” I’m sure you’ve heard it. “O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.” Are you anxious? Going through a difficult time? You know, I believe it’s true that we actually choose to forfeit peace when we do not spend time in prayer. When we do not pray about everything.

I’m praying right now for one of the major cities in the world.  We’re preparing for a great festival, where we will proclaim the Lord Jesus Christ to literally millions of people, if we do it well.  And I get anxious at times.  But every time it happens, I turn it inward to the Lord who lives within me, and I talk to the heavenly Father in His name, and peace comes back.

St. Paul writes in Philippians, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” What a promise that is!

Isn’t it amazing that God not only listens to our prayers, but gives us peace beyond understanding? Share this truth with a hurting friend today, and you will be blessed and they will too.

This is Luis Palau

I love the hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” There is a line in it that says “What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.” And you know, I like that. Because I think it’s easy for people to think that spiritual disciplines like prayer are drudgery. That we have to read the Bible, that we have to go to church, that we have to pray. But this hymn says it so well- it is actually a privilege! It is an amazing thing that the God of the universe wants to hear our talking to Him. That He listens to us. That He speaks to us also. That we can talk to God any time of day or night. He is, after all, our heavenly Father.

Psalm 145:18 says, "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” I want to be close to the Lord, don’t you?

Let’s never forget the privilege it is to talk to Almighty God. And may we seek God’s face all the days of our lives. In prayer we gain wisdom also, and direction by the Holy Spirit. And wisdom is just what you and I need as we go out to reach our world in this generation with the Good News of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

This is Luis Palau

A Christian couple met a Russian general at a peace conference. Knowing he was an unbeliever, they invited him to their home. “General,” the wife addressed him after lunch, “you must be a child of God.” “Absolutely not,” he replied. “I’m an atheist.” “But General, do you know what Jesus said? He said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.’ Aren’t you involved in the peace conference?” “Of course I am,” he replied. “Then you must be a child of God.” Suddenly tears came to the general’s eyes. “Why are you weeping?” the woman asked. He said, “When I was a little boy, my mother always used to quote that verse.” “General, do you know God?” “No, but I want to know Him.” Moments later, the woman led the general to the Lord.

The exalted Lord Jesus Christ is impacting lives all over the world, often in unexpected ways. Christ is with the Father, praying for us. Among other things, He is praying that you and I make an impact on those around us. Are you?

Let Jesus use you in unexpected places, and in unexpected ways, to reach your world.          

This is Andrew Palau.

How I wish every Christian lived in the reality of Ephesians 3:19, which tells us to be “filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

When that happens, what’s “normal” in the Christian life? After we are filled by God Himself, we start growing toward maturity. Second, we become active in our local church. Third, we hunger for holiness. Fourth, we love God’s Word. Fifth, we pray with intensity. Sixth, we serve others. But that’s not all.

Seventh, we have a heart for the world. After we are filled by God Himself, we develop a passion for lost people around us. We’re concerned about those who don’t know Jesus Christ yet and aren’t part of His Body, the Church. If we lack the compassion of Jesus Christ, we know nothing of God’s fullness yet.

The potential of what Christ wants to do in and through you and me for His glory is amazing. By His power, we can make an incredible difference in other people’s lives. The results may seem extraordinary. But that’s what the normal Christian life is all about.

Stop being abnormal. Instead, ask the Lord to fill you and make you bold, courageous, growing, healthy, robust and vibrant.

This is Luis Palau.