thoughts by Max Lucado Archives - Page 30 of 42

Published May 20, 2014

Rest in His Finished Work

In Psalm 23:2 when David says, “He makes me to lie down in green pastures”—he’s saying, “My shepherd makes me lie down in His finished work.” With His own pierced hands, Jesus created a pasture for the soul. Can you imagine the satisfaction in the heart of the shepherd when, with work completed, he sees his sheep rest in the tender grass? Can you imagine the satisfaction in the heart of God when we do the same?

His pasture is His gift to us. This is not a pasture you have made. Nor is it one you deserve. It is a gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

Your Shepherd invites you to nestle deeply hidden, buried, in the tall shoots of His love—and there you will find rest.

By Max Lucado

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2014/05/20/ml_rest-in-his-finished-work/
From: Traveling Light

Used by permission
To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
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Thoughts by All thoughts by Max Lucado Thoughts by Men

Published May 13, 2014

Hiding the Trash

by Max Lucado

You and I live in a trashy world. Unwanted garbage comes our way on a regular basis … Haven’t you been handed a trash sack of mishaps and heartaches? Sure you have. May I ask, what are you going to do with it?

You have several options. You could hide it. You could take the trash bag and cram it under your coat or stick it under your dress and pretend it isn’t there. But you and I know you won’t fool anyone. Besides, sooner or later it will start to stink. Or you could disguise it. Paint it green, put it on the front lawn, and tell everybody it is a tree. Again, no one will be fooled, and pretty soon it’s going to reek. So what will you do? If you follow the example of Christ, you will learn to see tough times differently. Remember, God loves you just the way you are, but he refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to have a hope-filled heart … just like Jesus …

Wouldn’t you love to have a hope-filled heart? Wouldn’t you love to see the world through the eyes of Jesus? Where we see unanswered prayer, Jesus saw answered prayer. Where we see the absence of God, Jesus saw the plan of God. Note especially Matthew 26:53: “Surely you know I could ask my Father, and he would give me more than twelve armies of angels” (NCV). Of all the treasures Jesus saw in the trash, this is most significant. He saw his Father. He saw his Father’s presence in the problem. Twelve armies of angels were within his sight.

Sure, Max, but Jesus was God. He could see the unseen. He had eyes for heaven and a vision for the supernatural. I can’t see the way he saw.

Not yet maybe, but don’t underestimate God’s power. He can change the way you look at life.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2014/05/13/ml_hiding-the-trash/

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Max Lucado
From: Just Like Jesus

Used by permission

To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
http://maxlucado.com/about/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Max Lucado Thoughts by Men

Published March 31, 2014

A Daily Blessing

by Max Lucado

“I ask the Father in his great glory to give you the power to be strong inwardly through his Spirit.” Ephesians 3:16 (NCV)

Here is a scene repeated in Brazil thousands of times daily. . . .

It’s early morning. Time for young Marcos to leave for school. As he gathers his books and heads for the door, he pauses by his father’s chair. He searches his father’s face. Bencao, Pai? Marcos asks. (Blessing, Father?)

The father raises his hand. Deus te abencoe, meu fillio, he assures. (God bless you, my son.).

Father and child part for the day, a blessing requested, a blessing willingly given. . . .

We should do the same. Like the child longing for the father’s favor, each of us needs a daily reminder of our heavenly Father’s love.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2014/03/31/ml_a-daily-blessing/

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Max Lucado

Used by permission
To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
http://maxlucado.com/about/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Max Lucado Thoughts by Men

Published March 7, 2014

God’s Adventure

What is it about birthdays that causes us to quiver so? Certainly part of the problem is the mirror. Time may be a great healer, but it’s a lousy beautician. But the real pain is deeper. Sometimes a dream-come-true-world has come true and it’s less than you’d hoped. Regret becomes a major pastime.

Luke 17:33 says, “Whoever tries to keep his life safe will lose it, and the one who’s prepared to lose his life will preserve it.” “There are two ways to view life,” Jesus is saying, “those who protect it or those who pursue it. The wisest are not the ones with the most years in their lives, but the most life in their years.”

You can take the safe route. Or you can hear the voice of adventure—God’s adventure. Adopt the child. Teach the class. Change careers. Make a difference. Sure it isn’t safe, but what is?

By Max Lucado
From: He Still Moves Stones

Used by permission
To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
http://maxlucado.com/about/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Max Lucado Thoughts by Men

Published March 1, 2014

The State of Your Heart

by Max Lucado

Luke 6:45 says, “. . .out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” That is why the state of the heart is so critical. So what’s the state of your heart?

When your to-do list is too long, do you lose your cool or keep it? Well, that depends on the state of your heart. When you’re offered gossip marinated in slander, do you turn it down or pass it on? That depends on the state of your heart. Do you see the bag lady as a burden on society or as an opportunity for God? That too depends on the state of your heart.

No wonder the wise man in Proverbs begs, “Above all else, guard your heart” (Proverbs 4:23). David’s prayer should be ours: “Create in me a pure heart, O God” (Psalm 51:10).

And Jesus’ statement rings true, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2014/03/01/ml_the-state-of-your-heart/

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Max Lucado
From: The Applause of Heaven

Used by permission
To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
http://maxlucado.com/about/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Max Lucado Thoughts by Men

Published February 24, 2014

Love for the Least

by Max Lucado

“I was hungry, and you gave me food. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink.” Matthew 25:35

What is the sign of the saved? Their scholarship? Their willingness to go to foreign
lands? Their ability to amass an audience and preach? Their skillful pens and
hope-filled volumes? Their great miracles? No.

The sign of the saved is their love for the least.

Those who put on the right hand of God will be those who gave food to the hungry, drink
to the thirsty, warmth to the lonely, clothed the naked, comfort to the sick, and friendship
to the imprisoned.

Did you note how simple the works are? Jesus doesn’t say, ‘I was sick and you healed me”.. “I was imprisoned and you liberated me” …. “I was lonely and you built a retirement home for me” … He doesn’t say, “I was thirsty and you gave me spiritual counsel.”

No fanfare. No hoopla. No media coverage. Just good people doing good things.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2014/02/24/ml_love-for-the-least/

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Max Lucado
From: And the Angels Were Silent

Used by permission
To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
http://maxlucado.com/about/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Max Lucado Thoughts by Men

Published January 16, 2014

The Summit

by Max Lucado

Jesus says, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened” Matthew 11:28

I wish I could say it happens all the time; but it doesn’t. Sometimes He asks and I don’t listen. Other times He asks and I just don’t go. But sometimes I follow. I leave behind the deadlines, the schedule and walk the narrow trail up the mountain with Him.

You’ve been there. You’ve turned your back on the noise and sought His voice. You’ve stepped away from the masses and followed the Master as He led you up the winding path to the summit. The roar of the marketplace is down there, the perspective of the peak is up here.

He gently reminds you, “You’ll go nowhere tomorrow that I haven’t already been.” “The victory is already yours.” “My delight is one decision away—seize it!” Ah, the words on the sacred summit. A place of permanence in a world of transition.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2014/01/16/ml_the-summit/

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Max Lucado
From: The Applause of Heaven

Used by permission
To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
http://maxlucado.com/about/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Max Lucado Thoughts by Men

Published November 22, 2013

The Lord is With Me

by Max Lucado

“You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)

“You are with me.”

Yes, you, Lord, are in heaven. Yes, You rule the universe. Yes, You sit upon the stars and make Your home in the deep. But yes, yes, yes, You are with me.

The Lord is with me. The Creator is with me. Yahweh is with me.

Moses proclaimed it: “What great nation has a god as near to them as the Lord our God is near to us” Deuteronomy 4:7 (NLT).

Paul announced it: “He is not far from each one of us” Acts 17:27 (NIV).

And David discovered it: “You are with me.”

Somewhere in the pasture, wilderness, or palace, David discovered that God meant business when He said: “I will not leave you” (Genesis 28:15).

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2013/11/22/ml_the-lord-is-with-me/

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Max Lucado
From: Traveling Light

Used by permission
To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
http://maxlucado.com/about/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Max Lucado Thoughts by Men

Published November 4, 2013

Our Problem is Sin

by Max Lucado

“Fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out.”
Romans 12:2 (MSG)

Real change is an inside job. You might alter things a day or two with money and systems, but the heart of the matter is and always will be, the matter of the heart.

Allow me to get specific. Our problem is sin. Not finances. Not budgets…. Our problem is sin. We are in rebellion against our Creator. We are separated from our Father. We are cut off from the source of life. A new president or policy won’t fix that. It can only be solved by God.

That’s why the Bible uses drastic terms like conversion, repentance, and lost and found. Society may renovate, but only God re-creates.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2013/11/04/ml_our-problem-is-sin/

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Max Lucado
From: When God Whispers Your Name

Used by permission
To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
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Thoughts by All thoughts by Max Lucado Thoughts by Men

Published October 30, 2013

You Have a Bible?

by Max Lucado

Do you have a Bible? Read it!

Has any other book ever been described like it? Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

The words of the Bible have life. Life-giving words! Nouns with pulse rates. The Bible is to God what a surgical glove is to the surgeon. He reaches through them to touch deep within you. Haven’t you felt His touch? In a late, lonely hour you read, “I will never leave you. I will never forsake you.” The sentences comfort like a hand on your shoulder.

Don’t make a decision without sitting before God with open Bible, open heart, open ears. Let the words of Christ live in your heart and make you wise.

You have a Bible? Read it.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2013/10/30/ml_you-have-a-bible/

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Max Lucado
From: Facing Your Giants

Used by permission
To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
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Thoughts by All thoughts by Max Lucado Thoughts by Men

Published October 28, 2013

There is a Time to Mourn

by Max Lucado

Solomon said, “There is a time to mourn!” Give yourself some. Face your grief with tears, time, and one more—face your grief with truth. God has the last word on death. And if you listen, He will tell you the truth about your loved ones. They’ve been dismissed from the hospital called Earth. You and I still roam the halls, smell the medicines. They meanwhile, inhale springtime.

You miss them like crazy, but can you deny the truth? They have no pain, doubt, or struggle. They really are happier in heaven. Reunion is a splinter of an eternal moment away. I Thessalonians 4:13 says that there is no need for you “to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.”

God understands. He knows the sorrow of a grave. He buried His Son. But He also knows the joy of resurrection. And by His power, you will too.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2013/10/28/ml_there-is-a-time-to-mourn/

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Max Lucado
From: Facing Your Giants

Used by permission

To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
http://maxlucado.com/about/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Max Lucado Thoughts by Men

Published October 18, 2013

His Unchanging Character

by Max Lucado

We pass much of life at mid-altitude. Most of life is Monday-ish obligations of carpools, expense reports and recipes. Occasionally we summit a peak: our wedding, a promotion, the birth of a child. But when the housing market crashes, or test reports come back negative, before we know it, we discover what the bottom looks like!

In Psalm 139:7 David asks, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?” You’ll never go where God is not. Acts 17:27 reminds us, “He is not far from each of us.” The Psalmist determined, “When I am afraid, I will trust in You.”

I’m reminded of the words of an old but familiar hymn, “When all around my soul gives way, He then is still my hope and stay!” Cling to His unchanging character. God is faithful. He is not caught off guard. He uses everything for His glory and your ultimate good. You will get through this.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2013/10/18/ml_his-unchanging-character/

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Max Lucado
From: You’ll Get Through This

Used by permission

To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
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Thoughts by All thoughts by Max Lucado Thoughts by Men

Published September 21, 2013

Managing Our Thoughts

by Max Lucado

You’ve got to admit—anger shows up, and we let him in. Revenge needs a place to stay, so we have him pull up a chair. Pity wants a party, we show him the kitchen.

Don’t we know how to say no? For most of us, thought management is, well, un-thought of. Shouldn’t we be as concerned about managing our thoughts as we are managing anything else?

Jesus stubbornly guarded the gateway of his heart. On one occasion the people determined to make Jesus their king. Most of us would delight in the notion. Not Jesus. When He saw they were about to grab Him and make Him king, John 6:15 tells us, “Jesus slipped off and went back up the mountain to be by Himself.”

Proverbs says,” be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life!” (Proverbs 4:23). Jesus did, shouldn’t we do the same? Most certainly!

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2013/09/21/ml_managing-our-thoughts/

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Max Lucado
From: Just Like Jesus

Used by permission
To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
http://maxlucado.com/about/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Max Lucado Thoughts by Men

Published September 16, 2013

Take a Step

by Max Lucado

Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. Faith is the belief that God will do what is right. My translation of the first few verses of Matthew chapter 5 say, “Blessed are the dirt-poor, nothing-to-give, trapped-in-a-corner, destitute, diseased,” and Jesus said, “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

God says the more hopeless your circumstance, the more likely your salvation. The greater your cares, the more genuine your prayers. Healing begins when we depend on Him. God’s help is near and always available, but it’s only given to those who seek it. Compared to God’s part, our part is minuscule but necessary.

Ask forgiveness. Call a counselor. Confess. Call mom. Visit a doctor. Feed a hungry person. Pray. Teach. Go. Do something that demonstrates faith. For faith with no effort is no faith at all. God will respond. He has never rejected a genuine gesture of faith. Never!

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2013/09/16/ml_take-a-step/

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Max Lucado
From: He Still Moves Stones
Used by permission

To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
http://maxlucado.com/about/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Max Lucado Thoughts by Men

Published July 29, 2013

Your Agenda

by Max Lucado

It’s easy to forget who’s the servant and who’s to be served. The tool of distortion is one of Satan’s slyest. When the focus is on yourself, you worry that your co-workers won’t appreciate you. Your leaders will overwork you. With time, your agenda becomes more important than God’s. You’re more concerned with presenting self than pleasing Him. You may even find yourself doubting God’s judgment.

Remember Mary criticizing her sister Martha, “Lord don’t you care that my sister has left me alone to do all the work? Tell her to help me.” (Luke 10:40) What had Mary chosen? She’d chosen to sit at the feet of Christ. God is more pleased with the quiet attention of a sincere servant than the noisy service of a sour one!

Guard your attitude. If you concern yourself with your neighbor’s talents, you’ll neglect your own. But if you concern yourself with yours, you could inspire both!

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2013/07/29/ml_your-agenda/

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Max Lucado
From: He Still Moves Stones

Used by permission
To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
http://maxlucado.com/about/0

Thoughts by All thoughts by Max Lucado Thoughts by Men

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