Christianity Today has called Max Lucado “America’s pastor.” His inspirational writings, speeches, and prayers have encouraged believers and non-believers alike. With a deep faith in God, he seeks to share the gospel message and lead people to God. Among other interesting facts, this article will discuss 10 inspiring Max Lucado books you should read now.
Before we get into that, let’s look at what has made Lucado the bestselling communicator he is today.
Who Is Max Lucado?
Max Lucado is a father, grandfather, husband, speaker, pastor, church planter, and author who inspires and uplights with his writing and speaking. His books combine heartfelt emotions with the occasional humor and are useful for personal use or small groups.
Born in 1955 in Texas, he was the youngest child of Jack and Thelma Lucado. His mother worked as a nurse, and his father was an oil field worker. His father later died from Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Lucado’s teen years were filled with rebellion, and he admits to beginning to wonder about other possibilities in life. A personal statement on his website reveals his desire to seek something more than how he lived as a teen: “He now believes that if Jesus hadn’t found him and changed his heart, alcoholism would have been in his future.”
While attending Abilene Christian University, he worked his way through college by selling books door-to-door. After graduation, he became an associate minister at a church in Florida.
Lucado married Denalyn in 1981. After a time of missionary work in Brazil, they moved their family back to the United States. They are parents of three daughters, Sara, Jenna, and Andrea.
Lucado and his wife Denalyn now live in Texas. He is a teaching pastor at Oak Hill Church.
In a 2005 interview with Baptist Press, he shared that he hasn’t received a salary since 1990. Lucado requested that because he was already an author and received income from his writings, his church salary should go toward other church needs.
In 2021, Lucado revealed he had been diagnosed with an ascending aortic aneurysm found during a medical test. Surgery may have become an option, but more tests showed the aneurysm’s size had become smaller. Lucado admits to feeling anxious about this health issue. The sharing of his emotions during the time of his sickness can be a reminder that even best-selling authors need comfort from God.
His books have sold more than 120 million copies and have been translated into 54 different languages. His powerful online sermons and daily messages have been viewed by groups and individuals seeking to know more about God.
3 Powerful Messages from Max Lucado
Whether preaching in front of a crowd or speaking in an online video, Lucado’s words have resonated globally. Listed below are three of his powerful messages which offer hope and comfort are listed below. These are found on his website’s blog.
1. “A Special Thank You.” In this January 2021 “thank you” to front-line workers during the pandemic, Lucado reminds professionals and volunteers that they are appreciated and not forgotten.
2. “Interrupt the Downward Spiral.” Lucado adapts words from his 2017 book Anxious for Nothing and tells how action through prayer can guide us to relief from anxiety.
3. “Revive Us Again.” Lucado shares a powerful experience of a testimony given unexpectedly one Sunday in late October 2019 while he was preaching.
You can hear many more of Lucado’s messages through his teaching ministry, UpWords, encouraging people to learn about Jesus Christ and draw closer to Him. These messages can be found on numerous radio stations, offering encouragement and hope to numerous listeners.
5 Inspiring Max Lucado Books for Adults
With over 80 million copies sold, the messages in Lucado’s books can aid the reader in developing a relationship with God or strengthening the one that already exists. Lucado wants to make a difference in the world. He has been quoted as saying that all his sermons become books.
Below is a list of five Max Lucado books for adults. Some books have been updated and revised over the years. Many of them are available on audio as well as ebook and physical copies.
1. God Came Near. Lucado describes how the world may have appeared during the time of the birth of Jesus. God sent His Son to be born to a peasant girl and a carpenter. The ordinary couple became parents to the most extraordinary child, Jesus Christ.
2. Six Hours One Friday. This poignant and meaningful book discusses the last hours of Jesus. His torture, excruciating pain, and death on the cross can guide believers to consider God’s plan for each life. Lucado shares that God forgives and loves His creations. God’s love is so extensive and deep that He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, to atone for our sins.
3. When God Whispers Your Name. Have you ever wondered how God seeks to connect with His children? Does He shout in a voice we can hear, or are His messages delivered in a whisper? God speaks through creation, circumstances, and everyday moments. We are called to be alert and ready. A discussion guide is also included in the book.
4. He Chose the Nails. Lucado shares how God chose to sacrifice His Son for our sins, which are forgiven when we accept Him into our hearts. Jesus has experienced every obstacle and challenge we face. Jesus understands.
5. Start With Prayer. A collection of prayers on topics such as hope, peace, strength, forgiveness, grief, and fear. This book can be used for personal reflection or in a group study.
Max is also the General Editor of the Lucado Encouraging Word Bible, published by Thomas Nelson. This Bible, available in NIV and NKJV, features Scripture references for finding biblical answers, areas for note-taking, and full-color maps.
5 Inspiring Max Lucado Books for Children
1. Just in Case You Ever Wonder. A beautifully illustrated, award-winning book telling children about God’s love. The message shares that God loves them at all times.
2. The Crippled Lamb. A story created by Lucado and his daughters, Jenna, Sara, and Andrea. A lamb named Joshua, who was considered to be different, becomes an example that God can use anyone to help share His message.
3. The Oak Inside the Acorn. Each person is created by God and given unique gifts. The cute story tells about a little acorn growing into a big, strong oak tree.
4. The Boy and the Ocean. Lucado discusses that God’s love, which is bigger than an ocean, is more than we can imagine and that love will never end. Filled with colorful illustrations depicting the vastness of the ocean and the love of God.
5. Bedtime Prayers for Little Ones. Written by Lucado and his wife Denalyn, this book teaches children how to pray. Using rhymes, the prayers offer Scripture and various things to pray about.
Lucado has given messages to men and women from all backgrounds, nationalities, and economic statuses. He has appeared on various television and news programs. His website offers videos that deal with specific issues such as anxiety, trust, and weariness.
Whatever medium he uses, through his words and actions, Max Lucado spreads the gospel’s good news.
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Oleksandr Yakoniuk
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
