The Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast
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- 313308: Different Gifts, One GiverWelcome 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.
- 314309: Finding God’s WillIn 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.
- 315310: Reading Life BackwardsIn 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.
- 316311: Only You Can Be YouIn 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.
- 317312: The Reward of Taking RisksIn 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.
- 318313: The Secret of ContentmentToday 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.
- 319314: Gifted by GodThe 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.”
- 320315: Pausing on PurposeWelcome 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.”
- 321316: The Problem We FaceI’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.
- 322317: The Battle We Fight“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.
- 323318: The Story We’ve JoinedThis 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.
- 324319: The Path We FollowHere 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
- 325An Encouraging Prayer for MothersIn 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. Buy Gospel in Life at HarperChristianResources.com/Gospel
- 326320: The Privilege of PaupersThanks 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
- 327321: The Gospel According to a CrookHello 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 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.
- 328322: Follow MeHello, 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
- 329323: FaithworksThis 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
- 330324: Every Day Deserves A Chance (Introduction)Hello, friend. I hope you’re having a good day. But if you’re not, perhaps today’s message will help turn that around. Here on the Max Lucado Encouraging Word podcast, we’re beginning our summer series today called “Every Day Deserves A Chance.” You’re likely familiar with the passage from Psalm 118: “This is the day the Lord has made.” But some days just don’t feel God-designed. My prayer is that over the next several weeks we’ll come to see that every day—a day at the dentist, a day your company downsizes, even a day you say goodbye to a loved one—every day deserves a chance.Buy Gospel in Life at HarperChristianResources.com/Gospel
- 331325: Finding Paradise TodayImagine, on the most difficult day of your life, you encounter Jesus. That’s what happened to the thief on the cross. At his lowest moment, he was met with kindness and grace. And on your worst day, that kindness and grace will meet you too.
- 332326: Let Jesus Take ItJohn the Baptist called Jesus “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” Isn’t that something? He doesn’t just delay your sin or shove it way down in a drawer. He takes it away. May you rest today in that security.
- 333327: Graced and GratefulIn Luke chapter 17 we read the story of Jesus healing ten men with leprosy. This story tells us two important truths: one, it demonstrates the mercy of Christ. And two, it reminds us that God noticed a grateful heart. Learn more about The Solomon Foundation here.
- 334328: When the Forgiven Don't ForgiveThanks for joining us on the Max Lucado Encouraging Word podcast this week. As we continue our series “Every Day Deserves a Chance,” let’s consider something that has derailed many a day – unforgiveness. Forgiving an offense doesn’t come easily, but doing so grows our understanding of grace. As you experience God’s mercy, and then share it with others, your heart begins to change. And your day has a chance. Learn more about The Solomon Foundation here.
- 335329: With Christ You CanIn today’s episode of the Max Lucado Encouraging Word podcast, we’re looking back at the most important days in the history of our faith – the first Easter weekend. If you’re struggling in the pain of Friday or the silence of Saturday, may you remember that, in Christ, the celebration of Sunday is coming. Learn more about The Solomon Foundation here. You can find the What Happens Next book and Bible study at MaxLucado.com or wherever you buy books!
- 336330: More FaithDo you ever feel anxious? I know there’s plenty to worry about – between wars and extreme weather and the economy, not to mention the more personal concerns of health struggles or strained relationships. But I also know what God says about worry. If you want to worry less, today’s message is just what you need. Learn more about The Solomon Foundation here. You can find the What Happens Next book and Bible study at MaxLucado.com or wherever you buy books!
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