Quotes from Max Lucado

Nothing has a greater impact on spiritual growth than reflection on Scripture. If churches could do only one thing to help people at all levels of spiritual maturity grow in their relationship with Christ, their choice is clear. They would inspire, encourage, and equip their people to read the Bible.1

God is always near us. Always for us. Always in us. We may forget him, but God will never forget us.

God is unchanging. The weather changes. Fashion changes. Even change changes. God has not changed and cannot and will not ever change. He is always the same—yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Heb. 6:17–18).

Upper-room futility. A little bit of faith but very little fire.

He planted a one-word caution sign between you and hell's path: perish. "Whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Jesus spoke of hell often. Thirteen percent of his teachings refer to eternal judgment and hell.4 Two-thirds of his parables relate to resurrection and judgment.5 Jesus wasn't cruel or capricious, but he was blunt. His candor stuns.

Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. ROMANS 12:2 NLT

Why is the cross the symbol of our faith? To find the answer, look no further than the cross itself. Its design couldn't be simpler. One beam horizontal—the other vertical. One reaches out—like God's love. The other reaches up—as does God's holiness. One represents the width of his love; the other reflects the height of his holiness. The cross is the intersection. The cross is where God forgave his children without lowering his standards.

Here's a salute to a long life: goodness that outlives the grave, love that outlasts the final breath. May you live in such a way that your death is just the beginning of your life.

First thought of the morning, last worry of the night—your Goliath dominates your day and infiltrates your joy.

The sinful nature is all about self: pleasing self, promoting self, preserving self. Sin is selfish.

Do not meditate on the mess.

The path to peace is paved with prayer.

Mark it down. God does not save us because of what we've done. Only a puny god could be bought with tithes. Only an egotistical god would be impressed with our pain. Only a temperamental god could be satisfied by sacrifices. Only a heartless god would sell salvation to the highest bidders.

When are you most afraid? When the teacher hands out the test? When the popular people walk your way? When you think about the future? Even in your most fearful moments, Jesus is with you, offering a peace you can't find anywhere else.

The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity. [ 1 John 2:17 MSG

Feeling fearful about tomorrow? Do like the disciples—spend time with Jesus. Talk to him. Read his words. Reflect on his life and love for you. He has power and strength like none other, and he's more than willing to share some with you.

You can. With God's help you can close the gap between the person you are and the person you want to be.

We have been taught that the Christian life is a life of peace, and when we don't have peace, we assume the problem lies within us.

You wanted to know how you'll make it on your own?" Manny asked as the sights and sounds of the lush Jerusalem garden gave way to the sterile hospital chapel. "You'll never know. Because you never will be.

Relationships don't thrive because the guilty are punished but because the innocent are merciful.

There is no separation. There is no chasm between you and the heavens. There is no divider, no veil between you and God's love.

1.?Encourage one another (1 Thess. 5:11). 2.?Bear with one another (Eph. 4:2). 3.?Regard one another as more important (Phil. 2:4). 4.?Greet one another (Rom. 16:16). 5.?Pray for one another (James 5:16). 6.?Serve one another (Gal. 5:13). 7.?Accept one another (Rom. 15:7). 8.?Admonish one another (Col. 3:16). 9.?Forgive one another (Eph. 4:32). 10.?Love one another (1 John 3:11).

Jesus, right now, at this moment, in the midst of your storm, is interceding for you. The King of the universe is speaking on your behalf. He is calling out to the heavenly Father. He is urging the help of the Holy Spirit. He is advocating for a special blessing to be sent your way. You do not fight the wind and waves alone. It's not up to you to find a solution. You have the mightiest Prince and the holiest Advocate standing up for

He made you you-nique.