

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 27, 2025 • 32min
394: God Fights for You
 Hi, friend. I sure hope you’re doing well.
Last week I told a story about getting a gift from my dad. I have another story about my dad this week. You probably know by now that I love to tell stories about my dad. This story isn’t about getting a car. It’s about something he did for me when I was young that our Heavenly Father does for us now – he fights for us. 

Oct 20, 2025 • 29min
393: Yes, You Can
 Hello, my friend. I hope you’re having a good day.
In our human reasoning, Joshua had every reason to be uncertain. No one would have bet on the Hebrew people to conquer Canaan. But Joshua had one big thing going for him – God told him he would be victorious. 

Oct 13, 2025 • 28min
392: Glory Days
 Hello, friend. I hope you’re doing well. If you’ve been listening to the podcast the past few weeks, you know we just wrapped up a series about managing our thought lives. This week we’re starting a new series I think will encourage you as you uproot negative thinking and replace it with truth.  
We’re going back to the Old Testament, to the story of Joshua and the children of Israel. You’ve never seen a group more stuck in a rut and trapped in destructive, negative thought patterns! But God had a Promised Land for them, and, friend, he has one for you too. 

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. 


