Max on Life: A Review

I read Max when I first came to know Jesus.  For a while I felt like I “knew” Max. 

Up until about 10 years ago, I read every single book he had written . . . in fact, I read them before he wrote them.

Just kidding. 

But something changed.  I changed.  My walk with the Lord changed.  Instead of powerful stories or topical sermons . . . I really wanted to understand the words in the Bible for myself.  I wanted to know what Jesus really meant . . . the full context of a powerful statement.

Or . . . the culture behind Paul’s message.

I really wanted to pedal my own bike, I suppose.  And the more grounded I became, taking the spiritual training wheels off of my Bible, the less I read of Max Lucado’s work.

Max was/is an excellent teacher – the “Strider” in my life. . . someone that I grew under as I drafted off of him. 

Don’t get me wrong.  Max Lucado is an excellent writer.  He paints a picture with words – a true talent and gift of the Lord.  But I wanted the inspired Words of God to paint my spiritual backdrop. 

I like a good book . . . this you well know if you read my blog regularly. 

However, when it comes to pumping air into the tires of my spiritual 29’er . . . give me Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith… of my faith.  Give me my Bible.

That said . . . Max on Life is a book filled with questions from Max fans . . . someone like the Jodi of 10 years ago.  And those questions are answered by Max, the author.  Kind of like a call-in radio show… only in a book.

Most likely, I would not have bought the book.  But I would go to a bookstore on a date night and flip through the book looking for a soul stirring question to discuss with the Engineer. 

If you’re a Max fanatic . . . sprint . . . don’t roll to the store for this book.  But if you are a nominal fan and aren’t into books that are set up as a call-in radio show . . . don’t purchase the book.

Thank you Thomas Nelson for allowing me to read and review Max on Life.  I was not paid for this post and was encouraged to freely give my opinion.

I Can Be Fearless

Fearless is Mr. Me-Too jumping off the couch and trusting that you will catch him, even if YOU weren't planning on this Olympic event. Fearless is Mr. Smiley enthusiastically climbing the stairs with no one behind him to catch him when he teeters from looking down at his independent accomplishment. Fearless is Mr. Smackdown wading out into the lake with a big smile on his face. Fearless is the Hottie Hubby learning to snowboard or jumping off a high cliff on our honeymoon. And my fearless event . . . perhaps having a baby at home.

Fear is shown as I am apprehensive to place our U2 tickets in Hottie Hubby's car, out of a crazy fear that the car might get stolen. (Who cares about the car; I want to go to the concert.) Fear is cringing at the thought of leaving the drier on when we leave the house, even though there is only 5 minutes left in the cycle. Fear is wondering if my doctor really washed his hands with soap before he touched me.

I must admit that it has been a long time since I read a Max Lucado book. When I first began my friendship with Jesus in high school, I devoured Max's books. They provided the mortar to solidify my new faith, filling in the cracks with understanding.

But then I started reading books about biology, accounting, teaching . . . marriage . . . kids, etc. Through the Thomas Nelson Blogger Review program, I was given the opportunity to revisit Max Lucado with his latest book, Fearless.

I heartily and robustly proclaim that this is a must read, and perhaps a keeper on your bookshelf. Though I am 16 years old in the Lord, I was encouraged and challenged to evaluate areas in my life where I struggled with doubt, fear, and mistrust. That probably doesn't sound like an appealing book to read . . . who wants to be reminded of their fears? But trust me, Max leaves you with a feeling (based on the firm foundation of the Bible) of hope, confidence, and trust in the purposes of God.

Even better than just reading this book, discuss the contents of this book with a trusted friend or a support group. Located in the back of the book, are discussion questions that will really help to reinforce and remind us of the timeless truths found in this book.

Oh, and I know that you are waiting to hear my favorite chapters . . . 10, 11, 12. I'll keep the titles a secret, so you can go check the book out!