Friday, September 10, 2010

Review of Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado


Book Description:

These are difficult days in our world's history.  1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe.  But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference.  What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope?  Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life?  We are created by a great God to do great works.  He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth.  Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did.




My Thoughts:

Lucado does another fine job in this book.  Although there seems to be more fluff than most of his books, Lucado continues to make and explain legitimate points.  Included in this book are Scripture references prior to each chapter and a prayer at the end.  I especially enjoyed the prayer because it allowed the reader to actually pause and turn over the specific topic covered in the chapter to God.  At the end of the Outlive Your Life, David Drury adds a Discussion and Action Guide to supplement the book.  This is also a nice touch.  The D&A Guide allows the reader to asses themselves based on questions posed for each chapter along with specific challenges to the reader.

The meat of Lucado’s book consists of 16 chapters all designed to stir up reflection in the reader.  Chapters may or may not be applicable to the reader as we all struggle with a variety of issues and living as Christ instructs.  Although the chapters are very short, Lucado utilizes both Scriptural and real life examples of each situation discussed in the chapter.  I feel that Lucado could have gone more in depth in the chapters and eliminated a few of the real world examples.  They seem to fill up the pages more than the purpose. 

Overall, Outlive Your Life is a good read.  The book encourages the Christian reader to stay on task and put into action ways to live beyond the mundane life.  I would recommend this book as an easy but effective read for anyone who wants a refresher in Christian living.  Furthermore, if you just need a fresh perspective or some ideas to make the world a better place, pick up a copy. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Review of The Heavens Proclaim His Glory

Book Description:

“I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down upon the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot conceive how he could look up into the heavens and say there is no God.”  Abraham Lincoln

Our world displays the handiwork of God all around us—in the land and sea, the animals and the plants. But in respect to the sky, the heavens, the universe…there’s a realm of beauty and creation man has not been able to witness, until now.  The Heavens Proclaim His Glory is a compilation of stunning photography taken by NASA’s Hubble® Telescope capturing striking images of stars, galaxies, cosmic events, planets, and more. Vivid up-close photographs are paired with a romantic Psalm or quote, as well as a short description of the image. The Heavens will open up a whole new world of worship and praise for our God. 




My Thoughts:

A picture is worth a thousand words does not come close to describing The Heavens.  Picture after picture revealing God’s creation beyond our comprehension is what you will find in this book.  The pictures alone stir up praise and awe of our Creator.  You cannot possibly go through this book and not gasp at the splendor of our King.  We live on this earth and yet God created so much more.  The expanse of the solar system and galaxies beyond our comprehension are revealed to us through The Heavens.  The addition of Scripture and quotes from well known Christian authors and others are not even needed.  However, they do add another dimension to the book that tries to put it all in perspective.  This book is a must have for anyone who teaches on any level at a church.  It is sure to stir up much conversation and even help show just how big God is.  Obviously God cannot be limited to the pages I this book, but The Heavens does do Creation justice. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”