OUT LIVE YOUR LIFE By Max Lucado

OUT LIVE YOUR LIFE: You were made to make a difference By Max Lucado....

In thinking about this book and review, I pondered on where to begin. Most people anywhere and everywhere know or have heard about Max Lucado. He is the New York Times Best-Selling Author. You can check out his website MaxLucado.com and follow him on Twitter at Twitter.com/MaxLucado; I do, he is one of my favorite authors.

One of the things I really enjoyed about Out Live Your Life is at the beginning of every chapter Mr. Lucado has a prayer that is pertinent to that chapter. I found praying each prayer prepared me for what was going to be read.

Another aspect about the book I enjoyed is at the back of the book is a Discussion and Action Guide prepared by David Drury. There are some real good plans of actions for groups and individuals to put to use. I like not only hearing or reading about something that gets me fired up but I appreciate practical application as well, and the Action Guide gives that.

There was something about the book that I had a difficult time with and it's something that I have noticed in Mr. Lucado's recent books; the usage of various Bible translations or paraphrases. I find, at least for me, if the author uses one or two different translations I can read the material and not stumble over the verses; especially if they are translations I am familiar with. But when an author uses many translations and paraphrases in one book, one chapter or even on a single page at a time, it can really throw off the momentum and ease of reading. If he would stick with one translation for his text and then just use another one to for comparison study, that might make the book better. I find it disconcerting to read a page and not realize I was reading Bible verses because the translation/paraphrase was so loose. 

Other than that though, the book on a whole is a real good book that encouraged me to reach out to others and step out of my comfort zone. Max Lucado has done it again in encouraging others to do more and be more than a mere Christian.

This book was provided to me by BookSneeze.com (Thomas Nelson Publishers) free of charge. I am under no obligation to provide a positive review for this book. Everything I have said is of my own opinion.

CAST OF CHARACTERS By Max Lucado

Hi everyone! Sorry it's been so long since I wrote any reviews. I've been reading when I can. It's been a bit difficult since this is the busy time of year here in the country. My vegetable garden is really taking off and so are the weeds, so that is a priority. Especially if I want to eat what I planted! There are other things going on as well. To read a recent update go to my other website Words From the Heart. So without further ado....

CAST OF CHARACTERS by Max Lucado

If you have ever read anything by Max Lucado, you will find this to be classic Max Lucado writing. I have always enjoyed reading anything he has written. It's easy to understand, easy to read. And his style makes you want to read his books over and over again. He writes like he is having a conversation with a good friend.

In Cast of Characters, he has taken some various people in the bible and adds a little story with each one. One of my favorites is Mephibosheth. (I actually presented a teaching to a women group on him, some years ago.) I was pleased with the way he presented Mephibosheth. Because the story is about what is at the King's table for us.

At the end of each chapter, Max gives us a little time for reflection and discussion, so this book could be used as a small bible study.

I am not particularly crazy about the translation he uses for this book. Personally I am a New King James girl, King James without the hithers and thithers. Some people like the more modern translations, but I feel a lot tends to get lost.

Other than that, the book is a real good book to read. It will encourage you, make you think and even cause you to do some more digging into the Bible to see what else is in there for you.

I would recommend this as a good book to give as a gift, possibly use for a small group study for new believers, or just general reading.

This book was provided to me by Thomas Nelson and I am not obligated to give any particular review of it. All that I have said is of my own opinion.