The Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast

This week on the Max Lucado Encouraging Word podcast we’re dipping into the book of James. This New Testament letter to first century Christians has so much for us today. Words about joy and suffering, prayer and humility, and putting faith into action. I hope the message of James chapter two encourages you today. Buy Gospel in Life at HarperChristianResources.com/Gospel

Hello, friend. Welcome to the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast.  “What is God’s plan for me?” Have you wondered that? I don’t think I know anyone who hasn’t. We even spent several weeks on the podcast earlier this year talking about how discover and use our God-given uniqueness.  While there are so many specific ways you can spend your time serving others and building the Kingdom, the thing we know God calls us all to is to be more like Christ. The disciples learned this truth from two simple words: “Follow me.” Buy Gospel in Life at HarperChristianResources.com/Gospel

Hello friend. Welcome to the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast. I’ve been a pastor for a long time—over 40 years! I’ve been asked countless questions during that time, but none more fundamental than, “Max, what do I need to know to be a Christian?”  Maybe someone you care about is asking this question. Maybe you are. Let’s consider the answer from an unlikely source – the thief who hung on a cross next to Jesus.  Buy Gospel in Life at HarperChristianResources.com/Gospel

Thanks for joining me today on the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast. We’re wrapping up our study of Romans this week by going back to a story in 2 Samuel. King David, after Saul has died, asks if anyone from Saul’s family is still alive. The relative he finds and the invitation he extends is a beautiful picture of the invitation God extends to us. It has nothing to do with what we can offer but everything to do with who God is. Buy Gospel in Life at HarperChristianResources.com/Gospel

In this special bonus, Max Lucado's wife Denalyn shares a special prayer on behalf of all mothers. We pray you'll be blessed by this prayer, and will feel seen and loved by the God who sees you. 

Here on the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast, we’ve spent the last few weeks talking about God’s great grace – what it means, who it’s for, how you get it. So now what? What happens after you receive the gift of grace? It begins to mark your days. As you live knowing you are loved by God, you are able to love others, leaving footprints of grace everywhere you go. Buy Gospel in Life at HarperChristianResources.com/Gospel

This week on the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast, as we continue our study of Romans, we’re looking at God’s covenant with Abraham. A covenant made long before the life and ministry of Paul. Knowing this Old Testament promise helps us understand what makes grace so special: it’s available to everyone. 

“For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” In Romans chapter 7, verses 18 and 19, Paul perfectly describes our inner struggle. We want to live in a way that honors God, yet find ourselves mired in old temptations. And we begin to question if we ever really understood salvation at all. If this sounds familiar, hear me, friend: the grace that saved you initially is enough to sustain you eternally. 

I’m so glad you’re joining me today on the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast because we’re talking about my favorite subject – grace.  Maybe you’ve walked with God for a long time. Maybe you’re just beginning to ask questions about the Bible. No matter where you find yourself, Paul’s letter to the Romans is for you. And in the next few episodes, we’ll explore his writing about the great grace of God – what it is, why we need it, and how it changes our lives. Because it really does. It certainly changed mine.

Welcome to the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast. Maybe you’re having a busy day. Or a busy week. Or a busy decade. I can relate. There’s so much to do! We have work and kids and friends and church. If your to-do list is leaving you a bit depleted, Jesus has a word for you. “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

The last few weeks on the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast, we’ve been talking about the gifts and abilities God gives each of us. Identifying and using our gifts is important, but more important is remembering our gifts aren’t about us. As Paul writes in Ephesians chapter 4, “And Christ gave gifts to people—he made some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to go and tell the Good News, and some to have the work of caring for and teaching God’s people. Christ gave those gifts to prepare God’s holy people for the work of serving, to make the body of Christ stronger.”

Today on the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast, we’re talking about an idea that eludes so many of us – contentment. It’s hard, isn’t it? We watch our co-worker get promoted, our neighbor come home in the new car, not to mention every time we go on social media it looks like everyone else is living the good life. Friend, if you’re struggling with contentment, the story of David and Goliath—I know, not where you thought I was going with this—has some encouragement for you.

In today’s episode of the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast, we’re looking at one of the final parables recorded in the book of Matthew. In it, Jesus tells a story about a master who gives different amounts of money to his servants. But the story isn’t really about the money; it’s about how the servants used what they were given. God has given each of us unique gifts, along with an assignment to use those gifts well. And when you use your gifts to build something or teach someone, you honor the Giver. 

In today’s episode of the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast, we are diving into Galatians Chapter Six. There, Paul writes, “Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” In other words, only you can be you. And you can only be you. You cannot be anyone else. That is the message of today’s episode: be you, my friend, so that through you, others may see who God is.

In today’s episode of the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast, I want to share with you a way to discover how your uniqueness can expand the kingdom of God and how looking back can help you move forward. 

In today’s episode of the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast, we’re talking about knowing God’s will. The Bible has some things to say about this. And as you come to know God more, you will come to better understand his will. 

Welcome back to a new episode of The Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast.   Multiple times in his New Testament letters, Paul uses the analogy of the human body to explain unity in the church. It is a great illustration – we understand if a foot tried to be a hand or an eye tried to be an ear, the body would not work as designed. The ear is not better than the eye, rather both help us to function in and appreciate the world around us.

In this week’s episode of The Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast, we are looking at what Jesus has to say to someone who has grown weary with their work. Job dissatisfaction is something many, if not all, of us experience at some point. The apostle Peter did until a simple encounter with Jesus made an enormous difference in how he approached his work.

This week on the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast, we are starting a new series that I hope encourages you. Especially if you find yourself searching for purpose or trying to discern God’s will for your life. Whether you are deciding what to study after high school or determining how to spend your days in retirement, or anywhere in between, you are uniquely designed to live a life that expands the kingdom and brings glory to God.

It's hard to believe it's time to turn the calendar to a new year. If you're anxious about the future, you're not alone. As we say goodbye to one year and hello to the next, I urge you to face the future with faith. That's what we'll be talking about in this special Encouraging Word for the new year. 

Emmanuel. God with us. We say it every year. We sing it in carols, and we read it on greeting cards. A short phrase that says so much. The greatest gift you’ll ever receive can’t be bought or wrapped. It’s God himself. God. With. Us. That's exactly what we're talking about today on the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast. I pray great joy for you this season, my friend. Merry Christmas.

In today’s episode of the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast, we meet some more characters in the story of Jesus’ birth: the Magi. They were unexpected visitors to a young Jewish family, but we learn something so important from their journey to worship the King – Jesus came for everyone who looks for him. 

Thanks for joining me for another episode of the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast. Today we return to Matthew chapter one and learn a bit more about Joseph. We learn why Joseph was chosen to be the earthly father of Jesus. It’s not because he was well-known or well-spoken or well-educated. But he was more concerned with obedience to God than what people thought of him. May we all aim to be more like Joseph.

If your faith could use a lift this holiday season, join us here on the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast for the next few weeks. We’ll spend some time in the book of Matthew as we study and celebrate the arrival of Jesus. This week, we focus on the genealogy of Jesus. We see how Matthew turns a boring genealogy into an uplifting theology.

In today's episode of the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast, we look at the Apostle Paul's instructions in Philippians 4 to "Come to God with Thanksgiving". He suggests that being thankful makes us happier, and less anxious. Sounds like a good reason to focus on gratitude, today and every day.

Today on the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast, we conclude our series studying the life of Jacob, and it seems fitting we do so by looking at his death. I know, not exactly a fun topic. But Genesis tells us something important about Jacob’s death. Jacob, for all his foibles and flaws, died by faith. At the end of his life, he worshiped. I don’t know exactly what that looked like, but I know I’d like the same to be said of me someday.  National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child is November 13-20. Click HERE to learn more.

If you ever wonder if God has a place for those who doubt, and those who struggle, Scripture has plenty of examples for you. The disciples, who spent more time with Jesus than anyone, needed proof of his resurrection. And Jacob, who encountered God in miraculous ways when he wasn’t even looking for him, still had dark chapters in his story. If you can relate, I pray this episode of the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast reminds you just how far God’s grace reaches.  National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child is November 13-20. Click HERE to learn more.

Today’s episode of the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast finds Jacob confronting his checkered past. He didn’t want to. He didn’t want to face the brother he had tricked all those years before. If you, like Jacob, are afraid or ashamed to face your past, remember this promise: anyone who is in Christ has become a new person.  National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child is November 13-20. Click HERE to learn more. 

When I first began writing a book about Jacob, the working title was Faith with a Limp thanks to the story in today’s episode of the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast. It’s the story of a strange, but significant experience in Jacob’s life. It took me a while to make sense of this story, but over the years I’ve learned we all have moments when we learn what Jacob learned that night by the river. Sign up for the FREE 5-week Bible Study on the life of Jacob at MaxLucado.com  National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child is November 13-20. Click here to learn more.

Israel is under attack. Just the announcement was enough to heavy our hearts. Perhaps you, like I, have been unable to turn away from the news reports. But there is good news: Jesus, the one who warned of these days, will deliver us from these days.

Thanks for joining us for another episode of the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast.  In this episode, we’re talking about family. Perhaps you’ve known your share of family drama. Jacob’s family knew drama. And yet, they might be the most influential family in history – the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Their story reminds us God works through even the most crooked family tree.  Max shares more of Jacob’s story and God’s never-ending grace in his new book God Never Gives Up on You. Visit MaxLucado.com for more information. Sign up for the FREE 5 week Bible Study on the life of Jacob at MaxLucado.com

Thanks for joining us for another episode of the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast. You’ve heard it said, “We reap what we sow”? Jacob certainly experienced this. God used it to shape him, to teach him, to sanctify him. What might God be using in your life to get your attention, to prepare you for your part in his plan?  Max shares more of Jacob’s story and God’s never-ending grace in his new book God Never Gives Up on You. Visit MaxLucado.com for more information. Sign up for the FREE 5 week Bible Study on the life of Jacob at MaxLucado.com

Thanks for joining us for another episode of the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast. We have a tendency to try to negotiate with God. We say things like, “If I get this job, I’ll be kinder to my spouse.” I’ve done this. Jacob did this – we see it in Genesis 28 when he says, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the Lord will be my God.” But God isn’t like us; he isn’t transactional. And I’m so glad he isn’t.  Max shares more of Jacob’s story and God’s never-ending grace in his new book God Never Gives Up on You. Visit MaxLucado.com for more information. 

In today’s episode of the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast, we find Jacob as a fugitive. He’s fled his home, running away from his angry brother. He’s penniless and in an unfamiliar land. But in this most unexpected place, Jacob encounters God in a dream. God met Jacob when Jacob wasn’t even looking for him, and God will meet you too.  Max shares more of Jacob’s story and God’s never-ending grace in his new book God Never Gives Up on You. Visit MaxLucado.com for more information. 

In today’s episode of the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast, Max shares a story about a time in college when he used a shortcut to get what he wanted. Spoiler alert: It didn’t work out too well for him. Jacob used a shortcut too. He was impatient, and he manipulated his family to get his way. It didn’t work out well for them either. Friend, there are no shortcuts with God. He doesn’t need our help to speed up his plans. Don’t take matters into your own hands. Be obedient and wait on the Lord.  Max shares more of Jacob’s story and God’s never-ending grace in his new book God Never Gives Up on You. Visit MaxLucado.com for more information. Lisa Harper “Jesus” is available wherever you buy books

We’re starting a new series today on the Max Lucado Encouraging Word podcast. We’re going to be spending some time studying the life of Jacob. If you’ve ever wondered if you’ve stumbled one too many times for God to use someone like you, if you could benefit from an encounter with God’s unending, unbending, unswerving love, then Jacob’s story is for you.  Max shares more of Jacob’s story and God’s never-ending grace in his new book God Never Gives Up on You. Visit MaxLucado.com for more information.  Save 25% on Dwell at DwellBible.com/Max

In past episodes of the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast, we’ve talked about praying for our children and speaking encouraging words to our spouses. These things are so important, and, by God’s grace, we’ll do them often. But what about when it’s really, really hard? The Bible has something to say about this too: Love bears all things.

In today’s episode of the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast, we’re talking about how we talk. The words we say to one another, especially to our spouse and to our family, have a tremendous impact.  Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life is in the power of the tongue.” What we say to the people closest to us matters. Let me encourage you today to be an encourager.

Parenting. It’s a challenging, worry-inducing job. But it’s not one you’re left to do alone. In today’s episode of the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast, we’re talking about the power of a praying parent. May the story of Jairus in Mark chapter 5 remind you that God hears the prayers of parents because our kids were his before they were ours. 

For many of us, mid-August means summer is coming to a close. We’re planning for back-to-school or fall work projects. As we prepare to resume busier schedules and stricter routines, we’re going to spend the next few weeks on the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast talking about God’s plan for home and family. More outside demands for our time and attention makes now a great time to remember that the family is God’s idea, and in our homes, he does his most sanctifying work. 

In the last episode of the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast, we focused on the father of the prodigal son. Today we’re looking at the older brother, the responsible one who stayed home and did what was expected, and honored his family. Jesus included the older brother character to remind us we don’t decide who’s in and who’s out. The father recognized his son, even when he stumbled toward him, dirty and broken. And the dutiful older brother? Well, he was still invited to the party.   

Today on the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast we’re continuing our study of Luke 15. Most of us know the story of the prodigal son – the boy who rebelled and left home. But just as central to the story is the father who eagerly awaited his return. If your heart needs a reminder of God’s passionate love for you, I pray this episode encourages you. 

In the next few weeks on the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast, we’re going to look at some of Jesus’ most well-known teaching – the Lost and Found parables in the gospel of Luke. Think about how disappointing or discouraging it is to lose something important to you. Now think about how happy and relieved you are when you find it. What do you do? You celebrate, right? If you rejoice when a precious item is returned to you, can you imagine how God celebrates when his children return to him? 

Today on the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast, we’re spending another week in Matthew chapter 6, studying what Jesus has to say about stuff. Our world is full of stuff; it’s part of life. Most of us like our stuff, and that’s ok. The Bible doesn’t tell us we can’t enjoy possessions, but it does offer some guidance about how those possessions fit into our lives. How can we own things without things owning us? Well, the first thing to remember about all that stuff? It’s not yours.  

Today on the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast we’re talking about one of the most profound parts of a life of faith: prayer. When Jesus taught about prayer in the Sermon on the Mount, he emphasized simplicity and humility. If you’ve ever struggled with how to approach God in prayer or wondered if He hears you, this message is for you.

Would you like to worry less? Maybe even not worry at all? It’s possible! The past several weeks on the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast we’ve been talking about receiving the love of God, about drinking deeply from his well of love so that we can love and serve others. Receiving God’s love means trusting in what he offers, and, according to Scripture, he offers you a worry-free life. I pray this episode helps you to remember God’s faithfulness and experience his peace. 

In today’s episode of the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast, we’re taking a look at the promise Paul shares in Romans chapter 8: that nothing, no bad circumstance or bad decision, can separate us from the love of Christ. May you, like Paul, be convinced of that promise. 

Not much in life stays the same. We change, our friends change, and the world around us changes. But not God; God doesn’t change. It’s foundational to his character – he’s the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.    In today’s episode of the Max Lucado Encouraging Word podcast, I encourage you to anchor yourself to God’s unwavering strength and unchanging love and trust he will hold you.  New episodes release every Monday. Be sure to like and subscribe so you never miss out!

Today on the Max Lucado Encouraging Word podcast, we’re exploring the profound depth of God’s love. My prayer for you as you listen echoes Paul in Ephesians chapter 3: “And may you have the power to understand how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.” May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. New episodes release every Monday. Be sure to like and subscribe so you never miss out!

Do you remember when you had to go inside the gas station and pay the attendant to put gas in your car? In this week's episode of the Max Lucado Encouraging Word podcast, I share a story about the transition to “pay the pump” some years ago and the lesson it brought to mind about how to fill an empty tank.  Our spiritual tanks get empty too, but God has shown us where to go to fill up. If you’re out of gas, the Bible has a word of encouragement for you.