In today’s Encouraging Word, we’re taking a look at the first appearance of grace in Scripture, and you might be surprised where it shows up. But the message is unchanged: grace is not up to the one receiving it. It’s up to the One giving it.

Thank you so much for joining me for another Encouraging Word. This week, we’re concluding our study of Joshua and the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land. When I originally preached these messages at my church in San Antonio, Texas, we began each day with a Glory Days Declaration.

I want to share it with you today and invite you to recite it with me—wherever you’re listening.

Glory Days Declaration

These days are Glory Days.

My past is past.

My future is bright.

God’s promises are true,

and His Word is sure.

With God as my helper,

I will be all He wants me to be,

do all He wants me to do,

and receive all He wants me to receive.

These are Glory Days.

Being a Promised Land person does not guarantee you a problem-free life. In fact, it guarantees the opposite. In John 16:33, Jesus says, “In this world, you will have trouble.” Knowing that, what do you do? Follow the example of Caleb in Joshua, Chapter 14, and set your mind on a holy cause.

If you’re resolving to pray more this year — and shouldn’t we all? — this episode is for you. 

There is a remarkable story in Joshua chapter 10. While in battle, the Hebrews needed more daylight. Joshua asks God to stop the sun from setting, and God does. Verse 14 says, “God took orders from a human voice.” How’s that for a reminder that God listens to our prayers? 

What does trust have to do with greed? According to Joshua chapter 7, quite a lot. This passage reminds us that looking for security in anything or anyone other than God will always let us down. 

In Joshua 4, just as many of us will do this week with family and friends, Joshua and the Hebrew people were instructed to pause and remember all God had done for them. And that act of gratitude prepared them for what came next.

 The last few episodes, we’ve seen Joshua and the Israelites face one obstacle after another. Well this week is a biggie – crossing the Jordan River. But this story isn’t just about getting from one side of a river to the other. It’s about how God delivers us from what stands between us and him.

 Today’s episode brings us to one of the unlikeliest heroes of the Bible—Rahab. Maybe you know her story. Maybe you relate to her story. Nothing to lose, pulled from the bottom of the pit and pressed into service for God’s plan. God used her because she trusted him. May we all have that in common with Rahab.

It can be difficult to tune out the negative voices around us. It can be difficult to tune out the negative voices in our own heads! If you’ve been listening to the podcast for a while, you know we just did a bunch of episodes about that. But thankfully, God has given us his Word, just as he gave Joshua and the Israelites, to help us know and heed his voice. 

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I hope this series has been an encouragement to you, particularly if you’re going through a difficult time. We’ve got some new stuff coming next week that I’m really excited about, but first we’re going to put a bow on our study of the life of Joseph. If there’s one thing you take from it, may it be this: we have a heavenly father who guides us with a sure hand.

Did you know the Bible has something to say about crisis management? That might feel like a modern construct, but it’s not. In Joseph’s life he faced multiple crises, including an extended, widespread famine. So how did he get through it? A two-pronged approach – he approached the crisis with faith and then came up with a plan.

If you’ve listened to the last few episodes, you’ve likely noticed a recurring theme: Joseph is resilient. He faced challenge after challenge, but kept bouncing back. How could he do that? Because he saw the bigger picture of an active, sovereign God.

For anyone who’s ever been treated badly—in other words, everyone—Colossians 3:13 offers one of the New Testament’s most challenging admonitions: “even as Christ forgave you, so you must also do.” Really, God? you might think. I’m supposed to just forgive them? I know it’s not easy, and it won’t be a straight line. But, with God’s help, you will find the space of grace.

Family pain has been around since, quite literally, the first family. The earliest chapters of Genesis introduce us to a crooked family tree. If you know family wounds, I think you’ll find some hope in Joseph’s story.  

Does gratitude matter to God? The Bible suggests it does. In Luke chapter 17 we read the story of Jesus healing ten lepers, and only one returns to thank him. But the one who comes back does so praising God. His gratitude made him joyful. Friend, the quickest way out of a tough day is through the door marked “thank you.”

Let me ask you a question – is God good when life isn’t? I understand if that’s hard to answer. But I think today’s episode could help; I pray it does. 

Some of the most difficult challenges in life come our way thanks to bad luck, bad timing, or bad actors. And when we’re dealt a bad hand, it’s easy to justify our choices. To be tempted by shortcuts or quick fixes. When you find yourself in such a situation, be encouraged by the example of Joseph in Genesis 39 – do what pleases God.

Today’s episode is for anyone who knows what it’s like to lose everything, who knows what it’s like to feel far from God. Listen to this promise found in Psalm 139: “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” God is not far from you, my friend. He is with you.

Today’s episode finds us in the pit with Joseph. Sold into slavery by his own brothers and sent to Egypt with nothing. Nothing except a dream given to him by God. No matter how dire his circumstances, nothing could take away the call of God on his life. And nothing can take away the call of God on yours, my friend.

We’ve spent the last few episodes discussing the promises of John 3:16. As we wrap up this series ahead of Easter Sunday, I want to talk to you about eternity—the reality of hell and the great hope of heaven. “Whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Today’s episode zeroes in on one of my favorite words in John 3:16: “whoever.” Whoever believes in him. Such a wonderful promise. The gift of salvation and the hope of heaven is available to whoever believes. And who isn’t a “whoever”?

No one is immune to the anxiety in our world. Global concerns—wars, catastrophic weather events, a worldwide pandemic still fresh in our memories. Personal concerns—mental health issues, relationship challenges, financial concerns.

The bottom line is this: it’s not a good time to be at odds with God. A heart right with God can survive in a world gone wrong. But when the heart is alienated from God, there is no way for life to be right. My prayer for you today is that you have a very clear answer to that question: “Am I right with God?”

I’ve been asked what I would choose if I could only preach one topic or one passage for the rest of my life. I think this is it—John 3:16. The Hope Diamond of the Bible. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

As a reminder, The Encouraging Word Podcast will be off next week, but we’ll back with new episodes in January. Merry Christmas, friend!

Can you believe we’re halfway through December? Christmas will be here in just a few days. As you’re no doubt busy preparing for the holidays, I pray today’s episode gives you a few moments to reflect on the Savior who comes at just the right moment. 

The past few episodes we’ve been talking about what it looks like to live in a way that reflects God’s glory to the world around us. We’ve considered different aspects of life where we can take the focus off ourselves and put it on God. For some, the most difficult time to do that is when we’re succeeding. It’s wonderful to be good at something but remember this: God made you good so you can make him known.

As we continue this series about living a life that reflects the glory of God, might I suggest that includes your struggles? We all have things in our lives we would change, things we wish we didn’t have to deal with. Illness, financial challenges, difficult relationships. But take comfort in this truth, friend: there is nothing you will face that God has not ordained, and he will use it for his purposes.

This week on the podcast we’re looking at an issue that plagued the Philippian church—legalism. They trusted the work of Jesus but were trying to add a little something on their own. If you ever find yourself looking for “Jesus plus” something else, the apostle Paul says to you what he said to the Philippians: “Now I am right with God, not because I followed the law, but because I believed in Christ. God uses my faith to make me right with him.” 

We’re tackling a new topic today. For the next few weeks we’ll be talking about living a God-centered life. Now that might sound simple, but living a God-centered life means not living a me-centered life. Not quite so easy, but with God as our helper, it’s possible. 

Today we come to the period of tribulation. Scripture tells us this will be a dark, chaotic time, in part because the church and those who follow Jesus will be gone. But Scripture also tells us that this darkness won’t last forever, and even in the days of tribulation, there is reason to hope.

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!

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!

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!

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!

Learn more about The Solomon Foundation here.

Learn more about The Solomon Foundation here. 

“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

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

Buy Gospel in Life at HarperChristianResources.com/Gospel

Buy Gospel in Life at HarperChristianResources.com/Gospel

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.

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.

National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child is November 13-20. Click HERE to learn more.

National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child is November 13-20. Click HERE to learn more.

National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child is November 13-20. Click HERE to learn more. 

National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child is November 13-20. Click here to learn more.

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

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

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. 

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. 

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

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

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.

In today’s episode of the Max Lucado Encouraging Word podcast, I encourage you to anchor yourself to God’s unwavering strength and unchanging love and trust he will hold you. 

New episodes release every Monday. Be sure to like and subscribe so you never miss out!

May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

New episodes release every Monday. Be sure to like and subscribe so you never miss out!

Our spiritual tanks get empty too, but God has shown us where to go to fill up. If you’re out of gas, the Bible has a word of encouragement for you. 

In today’s episode, we’re looking at what means to live connected to Christ. Not just be around him or near him, but truly connected. To make him your home, to take shelter in the walls of Jesus, and to be transformed by his love.

This episode talks about one of those big church words: “sanctification.” Turning down the cups of anxiety, anger, and guilt, that show up in your life. And instead accepting what the Holy Spirit offers – to drink from the rivers of living water.

The same is true of your soul. It needs to be hydrated. Jesus does for your soul what water does for your body – come in, invade every little part, and give you what you need to live.

If you’ve ever felt cared for or protected, chances are good a mom had something to do with it. Thank God for moms. 

Or maybe that doesn’t feel so true for you. On a day when many people celebrate the mom they love or the mom they love being, we know others wait eagerly for the holiday to pass.

But no matter what feelings such days stir in you, may I remind you of God’s great motherly love for you? His affection for you is so deep; he does not forget you. Drink in the promise from Isaiah chapter 49: “I have engraved you on the palms of my hands."

If you’ve been feeling a little thirsty lately, I pray this message quenches your soul. May you receive God’s love and trust that he will give you what you need. 

As he concludes his song of praise, the psalmist reminds us this place we live now is temporary, and our forever home awaits us. We just don’t belong here. Now, hopefully, this life provides more than just a few moments of joy, but it’s still a short-term solution. Jesus Christ offers an eternal one. He is preparing a place for you, and he is coming to take you home. 

Do you believe that? I know you may not feel it every day, but do you believe it? Do you trust it? Today’s episode is for anyone who needs to hear that God loves you, he sees you, and he’s calling to you. I pray it encourages your heart.  

Max studied the twenty-third Psalm not too long ago with his church in San Antonio, at a time when we all needed words of comfort and hope. But this well-known, well-loved Psalm is timeless. No matter what you’re facing today, let this promise from the middle of David’s poem wash over you: You are with me. 

Do you ever have trouble sleeping? So do sheep. They, like so many of us, need their environment to be just right before they can sleep. But sheep can’t create this environment. The psalmist David knew this. He was a shepherd before he was a king. He knew sheep need help to rest.

Psalm 23 reminds us just how much like sheep we are. They need their shepherd to do for them what they cannot do for themselves. If this sounds familiar, if you’ve ever wondered if you could ever do enough to finally rest, this message is for you.

We invite you to join us as we’re taking a look at the twenty-third Psalm. Max shared these messages with his church in San Antonio, Texas a while back at a time when so many of us were weary and worried. But many of us are still weary and worried, aren’t we? We could use a dose of comfort and strength from this beloved passage, a reminder of our unchanging shepherd.  

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