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The Lucado Inspirational Reader: Hope and Encouragement for Your Everyday Life

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Comfort and the cross. Faith and forgiveness. Salvation and spiritual refreshment. For more than twenty-five years you've trusted Max Lucado to walk with you as you ponder these essential truths. This collection of his very best illustrations, stories, and one-liners guides you through his signature themes and life's most important matters. Spend a few minutes or a couple of hours at the foot of the cross. Take a moment or an afternoon to search the heart of the Savior. Seize a second for a second chance. Return to these words time and again for a dose of hope and encouragement straight from Max's heart to yours.

452 pages, Hardcover

First published November 22, 2011

82 people are currently reading
167 people want to read

About the author

Max Lucado

1,202 books5,454 followers
With more than 150 million products in print and several NYT bestsellers, Max Lucado is America's bestselling inspirational author. He serves the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy. His most recent book published in August 2024 and is titled What Happens Next.

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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for AJourneyWithoutMap.
791 reviews80 followers
November 25, 2013
Max Lucado's The Lucado Inspirational Reader: Hope & Encouragement for Your Everyday Life is a timely inspirational book that comes as a breath of fresh air. Though some have derided the book as a mere collection of quotes and anecdotes from his earlier books, it is an amazing book! While opinions may differ, it still is a mine of wisdom, insights, truths and spiritual nourishment to the discerning reader.

This book of over 450 pages offers hope, comfort, and encouragement as much as challenges and searching questions in each and every page. The Lucado Inspirational Reader is a unique offering as it is a one-in-many book, in a way, a compilation of the best from Max Lucado's many best-selling books. For the uninitiated, it is a digest of the best, gems from all his works.

He writes, "Trust God's Word. Don't trust your emotions. Don't trust your opinions. Don't even trust your friends. In the wilderness heed only the voice of God."

If you are looking for a dose of hope and encouragement, The Lucado Inspirational Reader offers words of wisdom straight from Max's heart to yours. If you are a Max Lucado fan, this is a must-read book - a collector's item, to remind yourself again the words Lucado brings through his written books. If you haven't read Lucado before, this is the one to get started with. It can point you to his other books as you turn the pages of The Lucado Inspirational Reader.
Profile Image for Silvio  Quental.
63 reviews
November 17, 2023
"The Lucado Inspirational Reader" by Max Lucado is a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration, bringing together the best of Lucado's thought-provoking writings. This collection showcases the author's ability to touch hearts with his unique blend of storytelling and profound spiritual insights.

Lucado's writings, known for their warmth and authenticity, cover a wide range of topics, from faith and grace to everyday challenges. The reader is taken on a journey of self-reflection and spiritual growth, guided by Lucado's gentle and reassuring voice.

This anthology is not just a compilation of individual writings; it's a cohesive journey through the core themes that define Max Lucado's impactful literary career. Whether you're a long-time fan or a new reader, "The Lucado Inspirational Reader" serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of Lucado's messages in navigating life's complexities with faith, hope, and love.
Profile Image for Melissa Brandt.
Author 4 books2 followers
April 24, 2022
This book will bring you closer to Christ.

We all know we're supposed to pray without ceasing. Max Lucado offered a tangible way to do this. Notice the blessings of God as you go about your day. Look for them.

There was an emphasis that if you or I were God's only creation, Christ still would have died. God still would have used his creativity to create mountains and flowers, etc for our enjoyment.

The references to his other books were distracting and unnecessary, but other than that, enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Rick  Farlee.
1,161 reviews10 followers
March 23, 2021
INSPIRING

I really enjoy how Max Lucado paints word pictures that enables us to see how the Word relates to us today. Highly Recommended.
Profile Image for Annette.
905 reviews26 followers
August 19, 2014
Summary:
Max Lucado has a lengthy list of books he's written over the past twenty-eight years. His writing style is one that is easy to read, understand, apply. He stands out in the Christian non-fiction field by his way of sharing a story all of us can relate to. He is an author that does not adhere or speak to a particular denomination reading group. I have family and friends who are Catholic, Lutheran, Bible, Baptist, and all of them agree Max Lucado is an approachable writer. Max is an author that is easy to refer to as just Max, and not his full proper name.
The best quotes from Max Lucado's books have been compiled for this treasured book. This book is from the bookshelf of my dad's collection. Whenever dad and I would visit a book store, dad always asked the store associate, "do you have any new Max Lucado books?" Dad would pour over any books on the shelves, and often purchase a book he already had at home.

My Thoughts:
I read The Lucado Inspirational Reader, as a daily devotional. Each section has several stories both Bible and modern life, that reflect a certain theme. These precious sections provoke an emotional and spiritual response, there are specific questions to answer, and there are illustrations which both ruffled-my-feathers and made me pause, because I know they're true. Max has a way of explaining something that then I go, "oh, I get it now."
In this first year of grieving since my dad's death (August 18, 2013), The Lucado Inspirational Reader ministered to me the most (with exception of the Bible). Yes, some of this has to do with the fact this book was my dads. Yet, there are several quotes which I'll share with you, and then you'll understand.

"Each of us has a fantasy that our family will be like the Waltons, an expectation that our dearest friends will be our next of kin. Jesus didn't have that expectation. Look how he defined his family: 'My true brother and sister and mother are those who do what God wants. (Mark 3:35 NCV).
"The longer we live in {Christ}, the greater he becomes in us. It's not that he changes but that we do; we see more of him. We see dimensions, aspects, and characteristics we never saw before, increasing and astonishing increments of his purity, power, and uniqueness. We discard boxes and old images of Christ like used tissues. We don't dare place Jesus on a political donkey or elephant. Arrogant certainty becomes meek curiosity. Define Jesus with a doctrine or confine him to an opinion? By no means. We'll sooner capture the Caribbean in a butterfly net than we'll capture Christ in a box. In the end, we respond like the apostles. We, too, fall on our faces and worship."
"I wonder, how many burdens is Jesus carrying for us that we know nothing about? We're aware of some. He carries our sin. He carries our shame. He carries our eternal debt. But are there others? Has he lifted fears before we felt them? Has he carried our confusion so we wouldn't have to? Those times when we have been surprised by our own sense of peace? Could it be that Jesus has lifted our anxiety onto his shoulders and placed a yoke of kindness on ours?"
"Meet today's problems with today's strength. Don't start tackling tomorrow's problems until tomorrow. You do not have tomorrow's strength yet. You simply have enough for today."
"God doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called."
Profile Image for Dana Rongione.
Author 37 books37 followers
January 3, 2012
The Lucado Inspirational Reader is a collection of excerpts from numerous books by award-winning Christian author, Max Lucado. The excerpts are short and divided into categories such as "The Cross", "Encouragement", "Relationship with God", and so on. The layout makes it easy for the reader to read a passage no matter the amount of time they have available. When pressed for time, one short excerpt can be read. For a more thorough study, an entire category can be read. Either way, the book makes an excellent accompaniment to daily Bible reading.

I have been a fan of Max Lucado for many years now, and I have yet to find one of his books that I don't like. While there are a few gray areas we don't necessarily agree on, I have found his books to be doctrinally sound and extremely encouraging. His knowledge of the Bible is refreshing, and his clear, down-to-earth writing style makes each of his books a page-turner. And even though I've already read all his books, when I saw this collection, I knew I had to have it. I was not disappointed and enjoyed every page.

The day I received the book was a difficult day. I opened the book and turned to the section on "Encouragement." Within half an hour, I had read the entire section. Tears had been shed, but my heart felt immensely better, and I was ready to face the remainder of the day. Like any good Christian author, Lucado seeks not to replace the Bible, but merely to remind the reader of what the Bible says and to direct him back to God's Word. And to me, that's extremely important!

If you're a Lucado fan, you'll definitely want to add The Lucado Inspirational Reader to your collection. If you've never read any works by Max Lucado, this would be a perfect place to get a taste of his beliefs and writing style. Whatever the case, this is a must-read!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Meagan Myhren-Bennett.
Author 30 books162 followers
November 30, 2011
THE LUCADO INSPIRATIONAL READER
By Max Lucado


The Lucado Inspirational Reader a compilation from 25 previous works by Max Lucado. Broken down into 27 different topics this reader can be read as a whole as a devotional or it can be read as an “as you need it” book.

The topics are geared for the believer to help him or her in their daily walk with their Savior and to bring a deeper understanding. The covered topics include:
THE BIBLE which explains that there was a reason behind God giving us His Word. He speaks to us, gives us laws to protect us and provides the weapons we need to battle Satan.
CREATION explains that when we see the beauty of the world around us are seeing God’s love because when He created He engaged His heart and soul.
FAMILY tells us that our family is a loan to us from God of His priceless work of art. Your spouse is God’s masterpiece. But we must remember that our family is not only earthly, but Heavenly.
FORGIVENESS is kindness received and mercy given, and as long as we have a spirit of hate we are imprisoned but forgiveness sets us free!
GOD’S LOVE God loves even though He already knows the sins we are going to commit. His love is not dependant on us and it will never end!
MIRACLES are around us every day in the natural beauty of the world.
PRAYER the power in our prayers is in the hearer not in the speaker because “prayer is an awareness of God,” a calling home.
SECOND CHANCES “what you did can’t be undone” but our Heavenly Father loves in spite of our failures and His “perfect grace forgets” what He has forgiven!

This a lovely devotional book that should be in every household and church library. It is both comforting and confronting perfect for the believer who wants to grow in their walk with their Savior!


I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Profile Image for Cherie Hill.
Author 36 books79 followers
March 30, 2013
I chose an absolutely incredible book to be my 100th book to review for Thomas Nelson! "The Lucado Inspirational Reader" is a true treasure that is priceless to a follower of Christ. I am continually amazed at Lucado's writing style and ability to capture the reader in a way that convicts the heart and brings comfort to the soul. Lucado's words are always so brilliantly chosen and masterfully woven in to a beautiful tapestry that glorifies God. If you haven't read any of Max Lucado's books, start here, and you'll find yourself looking up the books you want to buy as you read excerpts from them through "The Lucado Inspirational Reader."

The contents are broken into many subjects that pertain to the faith walk. Excerpts from Max Lucado's many writings are compiled in a highly organized and powerful manner in order to encourage you in your faith. The book is filled with Biblical wisdom that drives you into the presence of God. Max Lucado is truly an angel on earth, sent here to lead the lost to Christ. Max knows Christ well, he wants you to as well.

I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone and everyone! In fact, I'm planning it as a Christmas gift to many on my list this year. It will be an incredible gift to anyone who reads it!
One of my favorite paragraphs:

"You have a God who hears you, the power of love behind you, the Holy Spirit within you, and all of heaven ahead of you. If you have the Shepherd, you have grace for every sin, direction for every turn, a candle for every corner, and an anchor for every storm. You have everything you need." (Max Lucado- Traveling Light)

* I was provided this book for free through the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze program in exchange for my unbiased review.
Profile Image for Pat (graceinaz).
14 reviews3 followers
January 4, 2012
The Lucado Inspirational Reader: Hope and Encouragement for Your Everyday Life by Max Lucado

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 22, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0849948304
• ISBN-13: 978-0849948305
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.7 x 1.6 inches

This book is a collection of quotes and inspiration from other books by Lucado. The twenty seven chapters are each on different topics, making it easy to select on to suit your mood or spiritual needs. Some of the topics are: Comfort; Passion; Faith; Family; Forgiveness; Hope; Peace; and Perseverance.
I have many of Max Lucado books, but I love it when he does a book like this one – it’s like reading the best of his works, but then, I think they are all the best. It’s the perfect book to pick up when you need a lift or to be inspired. I would recommend it to anyone who needs a gift for a loved one, or as addition to a home library.
I rate this a 5/5. It is definitely a keeper, one I would recommend to friends, and read again and again.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Our Giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

6 reviews
January 19, 2012
Hello. I have received the book, " The Lucado Inspirational Reader: Hope and Encouragement for your Everyday Life" by the New York Times Best-Selling author, Max Lucado from the book publishing company, Booksneeze.com.
What I think of this book is that it is really good and everyone should read it. I love this book because it helps me through the tough times and not the tough times! :) The stories that Lucado shares are really good. They keep you entertained. They are not boring, but interesting to read and they make you keep on reading! In between the chapters, Lucado inserts quotes, and Bible verses.
YES! I would recommend this book to everyone and anyone who needs hope and encouragement (Just like the title says!!) for their everyday life! :D Thumbs up! This book is a MUST READ!! :)


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Amber.
27 reviews
December 10, 2011
This was the first book I've read by Max Lucado. It definitely won't be my last. I thought this book was an excellent read. I am glad I read this book before Christmas because it will definitely make great Christmas presents. I read this book in 3 days. However, this book would be great for short reads as well. You can go to any story in the book and find the faith, spiritual lifting, hope or comfort you need. This is a book based on Max's collection of his best stories and such over the past 25 years. Whenever I am needing some guidance this is the book I will pick up and read. There were a lot of Bible verses in the book. It has over 400 pages and a topic index which makes it even better for when you don't have a lot of time but need some encouragement. This book made me feel better about myself and makes me appreciate life so much more.

I received this book free in exchange for my review from the publisher through Book Sneeze. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Allizabeth Collins.
300 reviews39 followers
February 18, 2012
Description:

The Lucado Inspirational Reader is a collection of devotional quotes and stories compiled from the writings of best-selling Christian author Max Lucado. Topics include: the Bible, the church, creation, faith, family, forgiveness, heaven, Jesus, miracles, prayer, salvation, second chances, spiritual refreshment, and many more.

Review:

I have not read books by this author before, but after reading close to 450 pages of The Lucado Inspirational Reader, I feel like Max Lucado is a dear friend, and reading his words/stories brings me closer to God. I enjoyed reading the whole book; the sections were small - yet effective, easy to read, and were a welcome escape from everyday stresses. There were also some really great quotes that made me think about God's plan and life's deeper meaning. I definitely recommend this devotional to anybody interested in getting inspired!


Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)

*** I received this book from the author (BookSneeze) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Wendy Hines.
1,322 reviews266 followers
July 3, 2013
This is a collection of Max Lucado's best illustrations, stories and one-liners. You can spend hours with the reader or you can read a few pages daily or just whenever you have a moment or need a dose of hope and encouragement.

Easy to read in a beautifully bound book, there are stories, comfort, hope and inspiration within the pages. There is also a To/From page which makes this book perfect for gift-giving. Family, hope, miracles and God, The Lucado Inspirational Reader is perfect for everyday life. My favorites are the one liners - so easy to remember. "Our problem is not so much that God doesn't give us what we hope for as it is that we don't know the right thing for which to hope." It makes you think and realize what is important. A great addition to your Lucado library or alone. Must-read book!
Profile Image for Ludmila  Guimarães Sella.
32 reviews57 followers
October 4, 2016
This book is beautiful! Basically it's made out of Lucado's best books, and yes, it's so worth it. Every begginer christian should read it or maybe the peorson is just lost and needs hope, read it. Grace, compassion, the church, the Bible, hope, family... he talks in such an easy, fun and light way so anyone can understand. I'll definitely recommend to friends and family, and to you who's reading this...
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,479 reviews10 followers
Read
October 28, 2015
loving listening to this digital download from our library. inspirational definitely.

didn't get all the way through, but only because it was long
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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