Max Lucado's Blog Archives - Page 3 of 11

This Brutal World

“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” Matthew 10:28 Yet again, yet so soon, we struggle to make sense of bloodshed and violence. Last week bikers mowed down on New York City’s Westside. Sunday, worshippers slaughtered in a small-town South Texas church. Life is a dangerous endeavor. We pass our days in the shadows of ominous realities. The power to annihilate humanity has, it seems, been placed in the hands of people who are happy to do so. Contrary to what we’d hope, good people aren’t exempt from violence. Murderers don’t give the godly a … Read More

Evil: Why in the World?

(featured image by Mark Ralston, Getty Images) The Las Vegas mass murders leave us reeling; struggling to make sense of such tragedy. Where the Bible may not tell us the why of the tragedies, it is quick to tell us who. Our fight is not against people on earth but against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness, against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world (Ephesians 6:12 NCV). The Bible names a real and present foe of our faith: the devil. He is not just a symbol for evil, he is the source … Read More

Hurricane Irma is Coming: Where is God?

©Max Lucado, published at FoxNews.com September 8, 2017 (AP Photo/Alan Diaz) Texans wading through water that covers prized possessions. Floridians fleeing a hurricane that is wider than their state. Forecasts of apocalyptic wind and waves. Wildfires filling the west coast with smoke. An earthquake rocks Mexico. Buildings collapse. Tsunamis threaten. How can this all be happening? How should we respond? And, most of all, where is God? Scripture has answers. Jesus said, “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea” (Luke 21:25, … Read More

What Harvey Can Teach Us

Sunday morning was already odd. Rather than stand before the church to speak, I sat in front of the television and watched the news. As far as I know, this was the first time we’d ever cancelled all services on all campuses. It was not an easy decision. With city officials urging everyone to stay home and off the streets because of Hurricane Harvey, however, I believe it was the correct one. So I found myself with a lazy Sunday morning. (Ok, I confess, the extra sleep was nice.) But then came the news reports. Image after image from Rockport. … Read More

God’s Answer for Racism

“Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature.” Genesis 1:26 MSG The tragedy in Charlottesville has stirred the rawest of wounds–racism. Judging a person according to skin color is an ancient sin. For that reason, God gave this ancient solution. In the earliest words of Scripture, God spoke: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature so they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, and, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth” (Genesis 1:26 … Read More

Discouraged? Your Heavenly Father Has Something to Say

Some years ago I passed through a time of discouragement. I can’t remember the source of the struggle, but I recall the fruit. I created a tool for divine encouragement. I collected God’s words of affirmation in one place and turned them into a letter. Next time you are feeling low, read these thoughts and let God lift your spirit.— Max ******************************************************************************************************** Dear child of mine, I am one who comforts you. I bought you and complete you. I delight in you and claim you as my own, rejoicing over you as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride. I will … Read More

Joy Comes Because Jesus Comes

Maybe it was the way he said her name. The inflection. The tone. The Galilean accent. Maybe it was the memory associated with it, the moment she first heard someone say her name without demons screaming it in her mind. “Mary.” She’d come to the tomb early that morning. Before the sun was up. Before anyone knew the Son was up. She found the tomb to be empty except for some angels she mistook for grave robbers. She told them that she would retrieve the body if they would disclose the location. That’s when Jesus spoke her name. “Mary.” When … Read More

He Entered Your World

I once waded into the Jordan River. On a trip to Israel, my family and I stopped to see the traditional spot of Jesus’ baptism. It’s a charming place. Sycamores cast their shadows. Birds chirp. The water invites. So I accepted the invitation and waded in to be baptized. No one wanted to join me so I immersed myself. I declared my belief in Christ and sank so low in the water I could touch the river bottom. When I did, I felt a stick and pulled it out. Well, what do you know–a baptism memento! Some people get certificates … Read More

My First Day As President

Several months ago, I was asked by Parade.com to contribute to an article by finishing this statement: “If I were elected president…” I want to repost it today as our country inaugurates a new President. May it serve as a timely reminder to pray for President Trump, Vice President Pence, our country and its citizens. — Max (article first appeared at Parade.com 9/9/2016) Best I can guess from looking online, there are twelve steps from the door of the oval office to its desk. I’ve never been there. Doubt that I ever will. But if ever bequeathed the title “President of the United States” I … Read More

God’s Favorite Name is “Father”

An excerpt from Max’s Worship Night in America message… Of all his names, Father is God’s favorite. We know he loves this name most because this is the one he used most. While on earth, Jesus called God “Father” over two hundred times. In his first recorded words Jesus explained, “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49). In his final triumphant prayer he proclaims, “Father, I give you my life” (Luke 23:46). In the Gospel of John alone, Jesus repeats this name 156 times. God loves to be called Father. After all, didn’t Jesus … Read More