About a month ago I was fortunate to receive my second book from the awesome people at booksneeze.com. Once again I chose a paperback from renowned author Max Lucado entitled Outlive Your Life: You were made to made a difference as I thoroughly enjoyed my first experience with his writing.

The thing that excited me about this book in particular was its promotional video emphasising the injustices in the world today and questions around how we as individuals can make a difference. I read it within the space of 2 days, which is amazing for my extremely short attention span … my average completion of a book is around half a year!

Lucado is a master storyteller; each chapter contains a scripture passage, a parable or story from Max’s own life, some words of inspiration, questions around what we would do in particular circumstances and a closing prayer asking God to guide the reader through this journey.

One of my biggest peeves about this current ‘social justice’ movement in the church today is the sole focus on ‘raising awareness’ without following through with any means of action. It is of great credit to Lucado that has he written a book that hopefully pushes Christian’s to go beyond awareness. Additionally, his integrity also shines through as 100% of Lucado’s royalties are donated directly to support the work of World Vision and other ministries of faith based compassion.

In the words of Lucado himself in the closing statement of the book:
“None of us can help everyone. But all of us can help someone. And when we help them, we serve Jesus. Who would want to miss a chance to do that?”

4.5 out of 5 high fives

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I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program.
I was not required to write a positive review.
The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: You can be everything God wants you to be by Max Lucado

Max Lucado seems to be a pretty prominent and much loved Christian author these days, however admittedly I have not read any of his books. That was until I was provided with a complimentary copy by Booksneeze.com of Lucado’s latest release in the form of a gift-book entitled ‘You can be everything God wants you to be’. Essentially it is a book for inspiring those who are on the quest to find more about themselves, the way God has constructed them and exploring their life path.

The sticker on the front of the book emphasises that it is a ‘perfect gift for the graduate’ and with myself nearing the completion of my studies and questioning what on earth I am going to do with the rest of my life, I would say I have found the book to be of some help. As mentioned it is a gift book, and as such not a 600 page literary classic, but rather 127 pages of encouragement. Each chapter is very easy to read thanks to the excellent usage of white spacing, imagery, a piece of scripture and a note of encouragement from Lucado. If you’re unable to provide a trip to Europe or a new car to a loved one on their graduation, surely this would be a good consolation.

3.5 out of 5 high-fives