The Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast

Hello, friend! What does it look like to pursue peace when relationships get hard? In this Encouraging Word, we turn to Philippians 2 to explore how the humility of Jesus offers a path toward reconciliation and unity. Through Christ’s example, we’re reminded that healing conflict often begins when we surrender our rights, take responsibility, and choose love over blame. Whether in our marriages, families, friendships, or faith communities, we can follow Jesus by choosing humility and trusting Him to work in our relationships.

Hello, friend. Thanks for joining me for today's Encouraging Word. In this message, we take a closer look at a struggle we all face: selfishness. What I call “selfititis” can damage our relationships and pull our focus away from Christ. But there is a cure! As we turn our eyes toward Jesus, practice gratitude, and put others first, God begins to reshape our hearts. If you’ve ever found yourself making life all about you, this episode will encourage you to embrace the humility of Christ and discover the freedom of living for something greater than yourself.

Hello, friend! What does it look like to live out your faith when life gets hard? In this message, we turn to Philippians 1 and explore powerful reminders from Paul’s time in prison, the Pony Express, and the story of Cassie Bernall. Through these stories, we’re challenged to live with integrity when no one is watching, stand together in sharing the gospel, and remain steady when our faith is tested. The good news of Jesus is worth more than just our words—it’s worth our whole lives! Join me as we discover what it means to live worthy of the gospel, no matter what comes our way.

Hello, friend! Thanks for joining me for today’s Encouraging Word. In this episode, we’re reminded through the story of Elijah that steadfast faith can carry us through life’s storms. When we believe in the God who believes in us, we can trust His provision, protection, peace, and promises for our future. No matter what we face, God is near, He cares for us, and He is faithful to carry us through with hope.

Hello, friend. I'm glad you're here today. In today’s Encouraging Word, we look at Elijah’s extraordinary departure and the powerful reminder that death does not have the final word for those who trust in God. Through Scripture and a moving personal story, we’re reminded that our days are in God’s hands and that death is not an ending, but a transition into the life He has promised. Even when facing life’s hardest moments, we can have peace and confidence knowing that God is faithful, heaven is real, and the best is still ahead.

Hello, friend! In this Encouraging Word, we explore Elijah’s bold stand against Ahaziah and what his story can teach us about temptation, deception, and the things that can pull our hearts away from God. As we talk about the reality of spiritual warfare, we’re reminded to stay alert, trust God’s truth, and stand firm in faith with courage and conviction—even when the culture around us pulls us in a different direction.

Hello, friend. I hope you’re doing well today and finding encouragement in God’s Word. This week, we look at what Scripture teaches us about God’s justice when evil seems to go unchecked. Through the story of Naboth, Ahab, and Jezebel, we’re reminded that God sees every injustice, cares deeply for those who are hurting, and will ultimately make all things right. Most of all, this message points us to the hope we have in Jesus, who offers mercy, forgiveness, and a place of refuge when we turn to Him.

Hello, friend. Thanks for joining me on The Encouraging Word Podcast. This week we explore depression through the story of Elijah, reminding us that even the strongest among us can experience seasons of deep discouragement. He reminds us that we don’t have to walk through those seasons alone, and that seeking help can be an important part of the healing process. My hope is that this episode reminds you that God meets us with hope, compassion, and purpose—even in our darkest moments.

Hi, friend. I hope you're doing well today. This week on the podcast, we're encouraged to remember that God’s promises are greater than our circumstances. Elijah’s faith and prayers during a time of drought encourage us to trust God, listen for His voice, and believe His promises even before we see them fulfilled. Through Elijah’s story, we’re reminded that seasons of drought are temporary, but God’s promises are eternal. When we humble ourselves, pray, and trust Him, we can have hope in His faithfulness and confidence that He will fulfill what He has promised.

Hello, friend. In This Encouraging Word, Max Lucado takes us to Elijah’s showdown on Mount Carmel, where God reveals His power and reminds His people that He alone is Lord. Through Elijah’s story, we’re reminded that spiritual battles are real, worship matters, and faith calls us to stand firm in God’s truth. This episode also points us toward the ultimate victory of Christ and encourages us to trust God’s power in every battle we face.

Hello, friend. Thanks for joining me on The Encouraging Word Podcast. In this message, we continue our study of Elijah and the showdown on Mount Carmel, where God exposes the emptiness of Baal and reminds us that He alone is Lord. If you have ever felt pulled between two loyalties, or wondered whether God can really come through in a hard place, this episode will encourage you to stand firm and gaze at Christ.

Hello, friend. Thanks for joining me on The Encouraging Word Podcast. This week we continue our discussion on the life of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath. We’re talking about what to do when God gives you a calling, but you don’t yet have the provision - or know where it will come from. You’ll see how Elijah and a nameless widow both discovered that the God who calls also supplies, right on time, in just the amount needed.

Preview Max’s new audiobook, Unbreakable Courage, exclusively for podcast listeners! One of the most remarkable things about Elijah’s life was the end—he didn’t die. God took him to up heaven in a whirlwind. Elijah knew what was coming, but until that moment, he went about his work. He ministered, he served. He showed us how to face our final days with faith. Elijah’s exit from this world reminds us that God oversees every aspect of our lives, including the end. Those who live on the promises on the God die with unshakeable hope in the life to come. Learn more at MaxLucado.com/UnbreakableCourage

Hello, friend. Thanks for joining me on The Encouraging Word Podcast. This week we’re beginning a new series studying the life of Elijah. His steadfast faith in a chaotic world offers great hope in these topsy-turvy days. I hope you’ll come back for the next several episodes to hear more about this wild, wooly Old Testament prophet and all the ways his story can encourage us today.

Preview Max’s new audiobook, Unbreakable Courage, exclusively for podcast listeners! Listen as Max introduces the story of Elijah the prophet, a resolved, faithful servant of God, immovable despite tremendous challenge. You face great challenge in your life too; we all do. So what can you learn from Elijah? Faith can overcome unbelief. Impossible prayers are heard. You can have unbreakable courage in a world of chaos. Learn more at MaxLucado.com/UnbreakableCourage

Hi, friend. Thanks for joining me for another Encouraging Word. We live in a world where truth is relative, where people are more concerned with “my truth” or “your truth.” It’s a modern philosophy, a political or business strategy, an approach to relationships. We build narratives to fit our agenda. But that’s not just sin, it’s dishonesty, and it doesn’t meet God’s standard.

Hello, my friend. I hope you’re having a good day. Did you know God has a goal for you? It’s not that you would preach to millions, or cure diseases, or end wars. God’s goal for you is to think and act like Jesus. That starts in your brain, with what you allow your mind to entertain. So when you think more like Jesus, you begin to act more like Jesus. And then who knows what you might accomplish!

Hi, friend. I hope you’re doing well today. This week on the podcast, we’re looking at a familiar passage in John 15 that was particularly helpful to me during a season of transition at our church a few years ago. In Jesus’s final message to his disciples before his arrest, he issued to most important call: Abide in Me.

Hello, friend. I hope you’re having a good day. We’re in the throes of summer vacation, which for many of us means more time with our families. Kids at home during the day with no school, summer trips, family reunions. These things bring fun and lasting memories, but they can also bring added stress. The apostle Paul has a word for families in his letter to the Colossians. I pray it encourages you if you find yourself feeling a little tense amidst some extra togetherness.

Hello, my friend. I hope you’re doing well today. As we conclude this series of episodes about living life with less fear, I think it’s important to note a time Jesus felt afraid. That might sound wrong to you, but he did. And there is good news, friend – the same resource Jesus relied on to deal with his fear is available to you too.