Book Excerpt:
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.
My Thoughts:
While I have read excerpts and quotes from author Max Lucado many times, tis was my first full book of his to read. I was impressed with how easily the book flowed, even thorough the pattern of each chapter was somewhat predictable: illustration, bible truth, illustration. But, as the old saying goes, if it ain't broke don't fix it. Many times as I was reading I was struck with how compelling of a story teller he really was. It encouraged me as a pastor to be more effective in using illustrations.
As far as the book itself, it was not a badd book. While it would in no way be considered a theological read, it was very effective in covering the subject of grace in a devotional manner. This would be a great book to encourage a young or struggling Christian with.
The end of the eBook had a study guide. While I could see this as being helpful to some people, small groups, etc., I would not recommend the eBook if you are looking to do the study. It would probably work better in an actual printed copy.
My Recommendation:
If you are looking for a deeper, theological study on grace, you will want to look into something else. But, if you are looking to encourage some in God's grace, or be encouraged yourself, this would be a great read and worthy of a purchase.
DISCLAIMER:
This book was given to me free in exchange for a review. This did not change nor effect my thoughts, comments, or review.
