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Second Chances: More Stories of Grace
We humans are prone to failure. We’re experts at muddying, mixing, and messing up our lives. Who among us hasn’t looked up from the bottom of a pit and realized he dug it himself? Who hasn’t fallen so far, messed up so badly that she thought there was no hope? And it’s at these low points that we crave reminders that there’s hope for the broken. No reminder is quite as poignant as a story of second chances. A story of grace in action. Who couldn’t use more stories of grace like this? Second Chances releases just in time for Easter promotions and is an ideal companion to More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine . Filled with biblical, contemporary, and imaginative accounts of God’s grace in action pulled from Max’s previously published works, Second Chances includes tales of second chances for the rebellious, prideful, failure-prone, and more. From Peter to King David to a prodigal daughter, these stories will remind readers of the magnitude of the gospel of second chances.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2013
112 people are currently reading
474 people want to read
About the author
Max Lucado
1,206 books5,478 followersWith 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 23, 2013
Max Lucado is one of my favorite authors and this is another great book! Everyone makes mistakes and God gives us second chances! This book is divided into six different sections: For the rebellious, For the regret-riddled, For the prideful, For the mistake-makers, For a faltering faith, and For those who hurt us. This book is filled with short stories and are told in a biblical reference. I really enjoyed this book just like I have with all of his books that I have read! I would recommend this book if you like Max Lucado’s writing or anyone wanting to read more about God’s grace!
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
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
January 25, 2021
Great book
Max Lucado is a great author. This book is a great example of how he finds the best in God and then he communicating to the reader. I suggest that you go get yourself a copy.
Max Lucado is a great author. This book is a great example of how he finds the best in God and then he communicating to the reader. I suggest that you go get yourself a copy.
February 8, 2013
Max Lucado: Second Chances, Thomas Nelson Publishers, ISBN-13: 9780849948558 and ISBN-10: 084994855X.
Max Lucado has such insight into the importance of life, everyday life. He shares in this book stories of how as humans we will mess up, fall and fail.
But then he presents the story that we all are titled to have – a second chance.cover25187-small
And who would want to deny that story?
Personally, this is just a good affirmation or confirmation of what Jeremiah 29:11 means to us all – we have hope.
Max Lucado has such insight into the importance of life, everyday life. He shares in this book stories of how as humans we will mess up, fall and fail.
But then he presents the story that we all are titled to have – a second chance.cover25187-small
And who would want to deny that story?
Personally, this is just a good affirmation or confirmation of what Jeremiah 29:11 means to us all – we have hope.
Read
May 22, 2019I couldn't stop reading!
Great book to read for those long commutes. I just kept turning pages. I love the simplicity Max uses to tell us of God's grace, forgiveness and love. I'd recommend this book to both the new and seasoned belivers of Christ. Great job Max Lucado
Great book to read for those long commutes. I just kept turning pages. I love the simplicity Max uses to tell us of God's grace, forgiveness and love. I'd recommend this book to both the new and seasoned belivers of Christ. Great job Max Lucado
December 5, 2020
My mum hands me over a Lucado book during every other visit. They are usually more or less quick reads -- with some parts being meaningful and other parts being read/forget. This one wanted to have a theme of second chances and the need for Christ, and it mostly succeeds. I often feel like I'm reading a newspaper column by Max, sometimes there's effort and sometimes it's about a cricket in his office. But it's all very nice - there were some sections that were thought-provoking and made me just want to sit it down and reflect before moving on. Other sections, especially the ones where he tries to turn the Bible into a fictionalized modern life example, were quick reads (not that there was anything wrong with those sections - but they were very cookie-cutter sermon parts -- I would get the lesson from the Bible selection - making it into a modern reenactment was a bit redundant, but I get that others might profit from it). So, it was a nice read for the most part - not of great impact, but it offered some moments of reflection.
May 20, 2019
The books I have read written by Max Lucado have always been a blessing to me at the time. Although I must admit I haven't read them all. I came across this book at a Barnes and Noble. It was in their marked down section. So I took it home and read it like a devotion. I read a chapter a day, missing a day now and then, to give me time to allow what I read to sink in. I find that Max's form of writing draws me in. It kind of catches you off guard as you read because I find myself as I get towards the end of each chapter, I think, that's me. In reading this particular book I have also been reminded of all the things God has forgiven me of and given me second chances how I need to be more forgiving towards others when they have wronged me.
January 7, 2018
Once again, Max Lucado touches the heart and mind through the stories and Scriptural interconnection. We do have a God of Second Chances - I have learned this personally and was glad to be reminded of the eternal truth that brings release and rejoicing. Highly recommend reading of this short book for any - and especially to those of us who need the touch of a loving Father saying l forgive all, come home.
August 27, 2018
Perfect title since the book gives example after example of people experiencing God's grace after bad behavior and unwise choices.
"God's efforts are strongest when our efforts are useless."
"Hunger has a way of softening convictions."
"How can God heal what we deny?"
"How can God touch what we cover up?"
"God's efforts are strongest when our efforts are useless."
"Hunger has a way of softening convictions."
"How can God heal what we deny?"
"How can God touch what we cover up?"
January 5, 2021
This collection of short stories "stories of grace") are a compilation from a number of Lucado's books -- a few of which I have previously read. My favorites include: "Open Arms," "Two Tombstones," and "Tank Your Reputation."
June 17, 2021
Not my favorite Max Lucado book
I have enjoyed some of his other books more than I did this one. It started out sounding really good, but I found myself getting lost/bored as the book went on.
I have enjoyed some of his other books more than I did this one. It started out sounding really good, but I found myself getting lost/bored as the book went on.
October 6, 2023
No words for how much I loved this book
We’ve heard the stories over and over yet Max Lucado brings new light to the messages bringing them home personally so that they are as impactful as the first time we heard them. I’m giving this book to everyone I can.
We’ve heard the stories over and over yet Max Lucado brings new light to the messages bringing them home personally so that they are as impactful as the first time we heard them. I’m giving this book to everyone I can.
March 6, 2018
GREAT BOOK FOR THOSE NEEDING ENCOURAGEMENT!
I enjoyed reading this book. Every story was a reminder that God loves each of us and wants the best for us. It was an encouragement.
I enjoyed reading this book. Every story was a reminder that God loves each of us and wants the best for us. It was an encouragement.
September 25, 2018
Inspiring author
I love reading Max Lucado books. He is very good at reminding me of the wonderous love of our God.
God has used him in my life.
I love reading Max Lucado books. He is very good at reminding me of the wonderous love of our God.
God has used him in my life.
November 5, 2019
Wonderful book! Beautiful stories and inspiring! Nicely enjoyable!
February 3, 2020
Max never disappoints.
September 10, 2021
Amazing, as always.
January 11, 2026
i really enjoyed this book. God is so good he gives us second chances. sometimes life doesn't give us second chances.
May 14, 2013
Second Chances by Max Lucado is the latest compilation of stories from one of the great modern Christian story-tellers. Max this time ties all of his stories together under the theme that “God gives second chances”. He breaks that down into stories of the rebellious, regret-riddled, prideful, mistake-makers, those with a faltering faith, and those who have hurt us.
The first story is familiar to those who know the New Testament – the parable of the Prodigal Son, but told from the perspective of the son. He tells the story of someone who suddenly realizes how far he’s fallen and decides that it’s time to stop making excuses and pretending that he’s better off than he really is. That is followed by the story of a mother seeking her daughter who had run away to the big city. Another similar story tells of a father desperately reaching out to his daughter who had run away with a boy. In each story, the person who left home had to overcome their pride and accept the love freely offered to them back home.
Those who have regrets are addressed next – missed opportunities, squandered dreams, or drowning in sin. Max weaves stories of how there are second chances offered to everyone who looks for them and accepts God’s offer of forgiveness and love. One story tells of people carrying around sacks of rubbish that represents their sins. The only way to get rid of them is to let someone else who doesn’t have any rubbish take it from them.
We read stories of Paul, Jonah, Peter, Moses, and many other prominent figures in the Bible. Each is told in Max’s style. Of course, that means that Max takes some creative liberties with the stories. They’re all based on the Bible or themes that we see in the Bible, though few should be taken as exact translations.
My take: If you’ve read Max Lucado before and enjoyed his works, you’ll like this one. If you aren’t familiar with his writings, this is a good representation of his work and a great read. For those struggling with forgiveness, the stories in Second Chances will be helpful. I really liked the stories and readings. They make for quick reads, but give you quite a bit to think about.
Disclaimer: I was given a preview copy of this book with no expectations on the part of the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own and were not influenced by anyone else.
The first story is familiar to those who know the New Testament – the parable of the Prodigal Son, but told from the perspective of the son. He tells the story of someone who suddenly realizes how far he’s fallen and decides that it’s time to stop making excuses and pretending that he’s better off than he really is. That is followed by the story of a mother seeking her daughter who had run away to the big city. Another similar story tells of a father desperately reaching out to his daughter who had run away with a boy. In each story, the person who left home had to overcome their pride and accept the love freely offered to them back home.
Those who have regrets are addressed next – missed opportunities, squandered dreams, or drowning in sin. Max weaves stories of how there are second chances offered to everyone who looks for them and accepts God’s offer of forgiveness and love. One story tells of people carrying around sacks of rubbish that represents their sins. The only way to get rid of them is to let someone else who doesn’t have any rubbish take it from them.
We read stories of Paul, Jonah, Peter, Moses, and many other prominent figures in the Bible. Each is told in Max’s style. Of course, that means that Max takes some creative liberties with the stories. They’re all based on the Bible or themes that we see in the Bible, though few should be taken as exact translations.
My take: If you’ve read Max Lucado before and enjoyed his works, you’ll like this one. If you aren’t familiar with his writings, this is a good representation of his work and a great read. For those struggling with forgiveness, the stories in Second Chances will be helpful. I really liked the stories and readings. They make for quick reads, but give you quite a bit to think about.
Disclaimer: I was given a preview copy of this book with no expectations on the part of the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own and were not influenced by anyone else.
July 31, 2013
The title of this book, Second Chances, caught my eye because I have been on the receiving end of many second chances in life. From very small happenstances to extreme life changes – being granted a second chance is the greatest form of grace I have encountered.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover this book was not comprised of chapters directing me on how to accept second chances with a grateful heart. Instead, it contained stories of grace from Max Lucado’s library of writings.
From traditional Bible stories to biographical recollections from Lucado’s life; this book reminds us, page by page, that God’s love is endless and His grace will return moment after moment.
Favorite quotes:
God’s efforts are strongest when our efforts are useless.
Reconciliation restiches the unraveled, reverses the rebellion, rekindles the cold passion.
Deflating inflated egos is so important to God that He offers to help.
Their [Your] sin collided with their [your] Savior, and their [your] Savior won!
I received this book from Thomas Nelson through their Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover this book was not comprised of chapters directing me on how to accept second chances with a grateful heart. Instead, it contained stories of grace from Max Lucado’s library of writings.
From traditional Bible stories to biographical recollections from Lucado’s life; this book reminds us, page by page, that God’s love is endless and His grace will return moment after moment.
Favorite quotes:
God’s efforts are strongest when our efforts are useless.
Reconciliation restiches the unraveled, reverses the rebellion, rekindles the cold passion.
Deflating inflated egos is so important to God that He offers to help.
Their [Your] sin collided with their [your] Savior, and their [your] Savior won!
I received this book from Thomas Nelson through their Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review.
March 23, 2013
Pastor and author Max Lucado brings his gift for connecting traditional Bible stories to present situations in the inspirational volume, “Second Chances: More Stories of Grace.” With the ease of a practiced narrator, he brings such characters as the Samaritan woman at the well, Jonah and The Prodigal Son into our world and uses them to remind us that we serve The God of Second Chances.
His easy-going manner avoids sermonizing even as he exhorts the reader to claim the new beginning available through God’s grace.
Second Chances is a book of how God gives us second chances all the time. You are reminded on every page of the endless Grace, Love & Mercy God gives us every day, and we are so undeserving of that kind of love, but God gives it to us.
I received this book for free from NetGalley.com and Thomas Nelson Publishing.
His easy-going manner avoids sermonizing even as he exhorts the reader to claim the new beginning available through God’s grace.
Second Chances is a book of how God gives us second chances all the time. You are reminded on every page of the endless Grace, Love & Mercy God gives us every day, and we are so undeserving of that kind of love, but God gives it to us.
I received this book for free from NetGalley.com and Thomas Nelson Publishing.
March 1, 2013
We are all sinners and will continue to make mistakes, but Jesus paid the ultimate price for our salvation. Whether the reader is a new Christian, a long term soldier of the faith or a person just asking questions, Second Chances will give them scripture and stories to help and encourage them. Everyone can use encouragement through stories of grace. The reader will be reminded of the failure and grace that followed for Peter, David and even Moses.
Lucado masterfully weaves scripture, storytelling and true stories into a book that can be read in small tastes are large gulps. If you have read Grace, you won’t be disappointed, but if this is the first Max Lucado book you have read it might be a good idea to have a notebook nearby to record your thoughts and key verses.
Lucado masterfully weaves scripture, storytelling and true stories into a book that can be read in small tastes are large gulps. If you have read Grace, you won’t be disappointed, but if this is the first Max Lucado book you have read it might be a good idea to have a notebook nearby to record your thoughts and key verses.
January 27, 2019
This book was amazing. I'm a firm believer that God's word and the bible doesn't need to simplified, but it does it in a way that is beautiful. Lucado takes some of Jesus's teachings and his parables and translates them into everyday stories. The Samaritan woman. The parable of the prodigal son. Even some old Testament stuff like Joseph's journey and the Burning Bush. These are some of the most meaningful teachings that Jesus shared, and they're right here in great detail; the type of detail that touches you and leaves you with plenty to reflect on. Definitely a page turner.
April 8, 2013
Very good book. Don't just read it if you feel you need a second chance. This book shows God's grace and implements stories to show that. I enjoyed reading this book and will definitely read it again. I recommend this book to everyone who needs to understand God's mercy.
April 22, 2013
Such great modern day parables of grace from a voice that speaks the language of every common soul.
September 5, 2013
Not as good as I thought it would be. Some stories were better than others. Some of the parables were hard to grasp. Some were very encouraging!
April 17, 2016
Second. Chances. Do. We. Really. Deserve. One. Only. God. Can. Determine. That. One.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews