Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than
We Imagine by Max Lucado
Review by Kara Grant
Photo and summary from goodreads.com
Grace.
We talk as though we understand the term. The bank gives us a "grace" period. The seedy politician falls from "grace." Musicians speak of a "grace" note. We describe an actress as "gracious," a dancer as "graceful." We use the word for hospitals, baby girls, kings, and premeal prayers. We talk as though we know what "grace" means.
But do we really understand it? Have we settled for wimpy grace? It politely occupies a phrase in a hymn, fits nicely on a church sign. Never causes trouble or demands a response. When asked, "Do you believe in grace?" who could say no?
Max Lucado asks a deeper question: Have you been changed by grace? Shaped by grace? Strengthened by grace? Emboldened by grace? Softened by grace? Snatched by the nape of your neck and shaken to your senses by grace?
God's grace has a drenching about it. A wildness about it. A white-water, riptide, turn-you-upside-downness about it. Grace comes after you. It rewires you. From insecure to God secure. From regret riddled to better-because-of-it. From afraid to die to ready to fly.
Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off.
Let's make certain grace gets you.
We talk as though we understand the term. The bank gives us a "grace" period. The seedy politician falls from "grace." Musicians speak of a "grace" note. We describe an actress as "gracious," a dancer as "graceful." We use the word for hospitals, baby girls, kings, and premeal prayers. We talk as though we know what "grace" means.
But do we really understand it? Have we settled for wimpy grace? It politely occupies a phrase in a hymn, fits nicely on a church sign. Never causes trouble or demands a response. When asked, "Do you believe in grace?" who could say no?
Max Lucado asks a deeper question: Have you been changed by grace? Shaped by grace? Strengthened by grace? Emboldened by grace? Softened by grace? Snatched by the nape of your neck and shaken to your senses by grace?
God's grace has a drenching about it. A wildness about it. A white-water, riptide, turn-you-upside-downness about it. Grace comes after you. It rewires you. From insecure to God secure. From regret riddled to better-because-of-it. From afraid to die to ready to fly.
Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off.
Let's make certain grace gets you.
HAPPY 30TH
ANNIVERSARY Max & Denalyn Lucado!!!
Many blessings to you and your family!!!
My Review
I tried to read this book one tissue at a
time, didn’t work. I needed the whole
box. It’s not a sad book, but the
meaning of grace the way Max presents it from scripture is sentimental, deeply
touching, and heart rendering. Max
discusses the meaning of life as well as the poor choices of life that each of
us have experienced and how grace fits into that.
Biblical stories found in this book :
The woman caught in adultery that the
community wanted to stone
Barabbas being spared at the cross while
Jesus took his place
Naomi and Ruth and the journey they faced
Max writes Bible stories like he witnessed them first-hand; he has revelation that brings them to life and they stop being just a story. Max also shares an important addiction he experienced and how God’s grace healed him of it.
I wanted to quote half the book because
there’s so much richness within its pages, but I finally settled on a brief
quote that gives an idea of what to expect when you read this:
Grace is everything Jesus. Grace lives because he does, works because he
works, and matters because he matters.
He placed a term limit on sin and danced a victory jig in a graveyard. To be saved by grace is to be saved by him—not
by an idea, doctrine, creed, or church membership, but by Jesus himself, who
will sweep into heaven anyone who so much as gives him the nod.
Make no mistake, this book is NOT a sermon. It’s like reading Max’s journal infused with scripture, anecdotes, revelations, and encouragement. It’s not as funny as some of his other books, but that doesn’t lessen the importance of the message. It’s also filled with Max’s wit, humor, and sincerity. Max also discusses revenge, retaliation, and holding a grudge. We all have this choice, but Max honestly states that if we accept grace then we also have to give it. Other issues he touches on are rejection, adoption and forgiveness.
There are 12 chapters including a conclusion
and a reader’s guide for each chapter which gives the reader a chance to look
up scriptures and answer questions so grace can be personally applied . I believe that this book is a must have for
everyone’s bookshelf and I’m grateful I’ve had the chance to review it. Max loves God and writes about Him in such a
way that even if you already believe in Him, you fall for Him all over again. This book is available on amazon.com, Family
Christian Bookstore, and BN.com. Please
see Max Lucado’s website for more information about his latest books, http://maxlucado.com/
I want to thank Booksneeze.com and Thomas
Nelson for sending me a review copy of this fabulous book. I was not required to write a positive
review. The opinions expressed are
my own.
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