
The Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast
Older episodes
- 289286: The Case of the Older BrotherIn 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.
- 290287: This House, God's Sacred HomeFor 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.
- 291288: Our Children, God's GiftParenting. 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.
- 292289: Our Words, God’s WordsIn 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.
- 293290: The Tenderhearted HomeIn 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.
- 294291: I’ve Lost My HaloWe’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
- 295292: Jacob Vs. ShortcutsIn 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
- 296293: Jacob Vs. The WildernessIn 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.
- 297294: Jacob Vs. JacobThanks 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.
- 298295: Jacob Vs. A Taste of His Own MedicineThanks 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
- 299296: Jacob Vs. Domestic DisasterThanks 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
- 300Special Encouraging Word From Max LucadoIsrael 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.
- 301297: Jacob Vs. Self-SufficiencyWhen 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.
- 302298: Jacob vs. His PastToday’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.
- 303299: Jacob Vs. His GuiltIf 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.
- 304300: Jacob Vs. DeathToday 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.
- 305301: The Good LifeIn 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.
- 306302: Making Sense Out Of ChaosIf 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.
- 307303: God's Plan For Common PeopleThanks 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.
- 308304: What Are You Looking ForIn 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.
- 309305: Never Alone On Christmas AgainEmmanuel. 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.
- 310Facing the New Year with FaithIt'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.
- 311306: The Cure for the Common Life (Introduction)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.
- 312307: Take this Job and Love ItIn 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.
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