

The Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast
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In these tough times, could you use a word of encouragement? From Max Lucado, a pastor for over 40 years and bestselling author whose books have sold more than 145 million copies in over 50 languages, The Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast is all about the greatest story ever told—the living Savior who brings you a lifetime of hope.
With rich biblical insight, heartwarming storytelling, and Max’s comforting tone, you’ll be empowered to place your faith in a loving God who is always near you, always for you, and always in you. For more encouragement from Max Lucado, visit www.maxlucado.com.
With rich biblical insight, heartwarming storytelling, and Max’s comforting tone, you’ll be empowered to place your faith in a loving God who is always near you, always for you, and always in you. For more encouragement from Max Lucado, visit www.maxlucado.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 6, 2025 • 31min
391: A New Way of Thinking
Hello, my friend. Thank you so much for joining me for another Encouraging Word.
Today we’re wrapping up our series on thought management. If you’ve missed any episodes, I encourage you to go back and catch up. But here’s the big idea, as found in Ephesians 4:23-24: “Let the Spirit change your way of thinking and make you into a new person.”

Sep 29, 2025 • 31min
390: When You’re Dealing with a Difficult Person
Hi, friend. I hope you’re doing well today.
What do you do when those you live with are hard to live with? Maybe it’s your spouse, your siblings, your neighbors, your co-workers. We all have relationships that challenge us, and a difficult relationship can consume our thoughts. So let’s start there. To deal with a difficult person, consider how you think about them.

Sep 22, 2025 • 32min
389: What to Do when Lust Lures You
Hi, friend. I hope you’re doing well.
A quick note before we get into today’s episode, particularly if you listen in the car or where younger ears can hear. This message includes the reading of a painful story in the Old Testament and some pretty blunt language about the dangers of pornography. Consider this a heads-up if you want to adjust when or where you listen.

Sep 15, 2025 • 31min
388: When Your Heart Needs Peace
Hello, my friend. I hope you’re having a good day.
Anxiety. It’s an all-too-common part of our lives. The statistics, especially among young people, are staggering. I know there are legitimate concerns in our world that need attention. And I know there are times clinical intervention is the solution God provides to those who struggle. But I also know peace is possible.

Sep 8, 2025 • 29min
387: When You Always Want More Than You Have
Hello, friend. I hope you’re having a good day.
Today’s episode is a bit of a history lesson. We’re going back to first century Rome, to the time of the apostle Paul and the emperor Nero. Readers of the New Testament have learned a lot from Paul, but the life of Nero offers a critical lesson as well.

Sep 1, 2025 • 32min
386: When You Battle Guilt
Hi, friend. Thanks for joining me for another episode of the Encouraging Word Podcast.
If you’ve been listening to the podcast the past few weeks, you know we’re talking about finding a new way of living through better thinking. So maybe you’re ready to tackle some of those specific negative thought patterns that weigh us down. Guilt is a big one – all the should haves that hound us. But here’s the good news: God has given us a tool to help deal with our guilt.

Aug 25, 2025 • 30min
385: How to Uproot and Replant Your Thoughts
Hello, my friend. I hope you’re well.
What do you think of when you hear the word “meditation”? Perhaps a yoga class or quiet chanting or one of those mindfulness apps on your phone? You might think of the phrase “Clear your mind.” Well as you learn to tame your thoughts, you’ll discover that an empty mind is not the goal. When you banish the bad thoughts, seek to replace them with good thoughts. Meditate on God’s Word and fill your mind with his goodness.

Aug 18, 2025 • 35min
384: Breaking Through Destructive Thought Patterns
Hi, friend. Thank you for joining me on the podcast this week.
Today’s episode is about UFOs. No, not that kind. I’m using the term UFO to describe those destructive thought patterns that leave us stuck in what the Bible calls strongholds. But there is hope! When you learn to identify and deal with them, those scary, odd-looking UFOs will stop taking up space in your brain.

Aug 12, 2025 • 31min
Tame Your Thoughts Preview - When You Battle Anxiety
Hi friend, Max Lucado here. As an Encouraging Word listener, I want to share with you an exclusive preview of my new audiobook, Tame Your Thoughts. This message is for anyone who embraces the promise found in Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” I pray it encourages you.

Aug 11, 2025 • 26min
383: Think About What You Think About (Tame Your Thoughts Series)
Hello, friend. I hope you’re having a good day.
We’re diving into a new topic this week on the Encouraging Word Podcast – thought management. Controlling your anger or managing your anxiety may seem like an impossible task at times, but it’s not! It’s a promise found in Scripture and backed up by neuroscience. With God’s help, you can tame each thought and become a person who thinks and acts more like Jesus.