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The Applause of Heaven: Discover the Secret to a Truly Satisfying Life
It comes from God and it is within your reach ...The applause of heaven. A joy that can't be quenched? A peace that can't be broken? A happiness that can't be threatened? There is such a joy. It is a sacred delight, a holy gladness. You can't open your Bible without reading about it. You can't live a truly satisfying life without it. And it's nearer than you think. Jesus describes that sacred delight in the astonishing mountain message we now call the Beatitudes. And Max Lucado, in this classic exploration of enduring joy, shows you how this familiar but revolutionary prescription for living can bless your life beyond your wildest imagining. Imagine God doing what gods would do only in your wildest dreams -- wearing diapers, riding donkeys, washing feet, dozing in storms -- dying for you mistakes. Imagine having God as your pinch-hitter, you lawyer, your dad, you biggest fan, and you best friend. Imagine having the King of kings in your cheering section and hearing the applause of heaven ring out ... just for you. But don't just imagine it. Open your heart to it -- the heavenly joy of knowing the God who delights in you.
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1990
440 people are currently reading
2294 people want to read
About the author
Max Lucado
1,201 books5,417 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 - 30 of 174 reviews
May 15, 2022
Plenty of wonderful, timely thoughts, and a chapter that definitely hit home, as it was about something I've been struggling with for quite a while.
April 11, 2014
If you think you life is worthless and you deserve to see if you belong. Read this book, I so much have felt alone in this world through family failures, friends failures, but no where else have I learned that God loves me so much that the Angels applause when I arrise in the mornings. No matter the messed up hair, the yawning, the circumstance, the Angels themselves loves us through God and we matter in the scheme of things. I was a new christain when I read this book. It gave me a new prospective of my life in His Plan.
August 12, 2020
A thoughtful, well-written look at the Beatitudes, from Matthew's Gospel. Peppered with relevant anecdotes and Scripture references, the author takes the view that the 'Blessed....' statements are connected, referring to a person's spiritual journey as they acknowledge their poverty of spirit, mourn for their pride, and so on.
I was surprised how much I liked this book, reading just one or two chapters a day for just under two weeks. There's a clear Christian message, but the author manages to keep it quite low-key without being too pushy.
Definitely recommended.
Longer review here: http://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2...
I was surprised how much I liked this book, reading just one or two chapters a day for just under two weeks. There's a clear Christian message, but the author manages to keep it quite low-key without being too pushy.
Definitely recommended.
Longer review here: http://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2...
April 18, 2015
It's interesting that his publishers/editors/whatever were discussing different titles to this book, and I'm sure they could have gone with others. Max breaks down the Beatitudes discussed in the most famous sermon Jesus ever taught in this book, so I'm sure something with that in mind was thrown around the room. But in all honesty, this title catches your attention. If you were in the bookstore and saw a book with the focus on the Beatitudes, you might be interested but you might also pass it by because it is discussed so often. But then you see this and it stops you with a fantastic idea: Heaven is applauding you.
I'm getting overwhelmed just thinking about it now. The rest of the book is very good. As I said, Max breaks down the Beatitudes and explains it in a way I've never heard of in the many, many times I've heard this sermon being discussed. I honestly never thought of "those who hunger and thirst" being the spiritually hungry and thirsty. Max peppers in some personal anecdotes and stories of others along the way, and those are always great in fleshing out his points. Just like his other book I recently read, he doesn't try to dive too deep into teaching. To put a food metaphor on it, these two books feel like oatmeal and apple sauce: they will fill you and sate a hunger, but if you really want to get into the pancakes and sausage links, you can find it elsewhere. Which, as it happens, is exactly what he's talking about when he mentions those who hunger and thirst!
It's a good book but the part that still gets me is the end. When I've finally run this race to the end and I cross the finish line into Heaven, there's going to be applause. You can keep your crowns and mansions. I think the best reward is seeing the God of the universe joyfully welcoming me home. And now I'm crying, so thanks for that, Max.
I'm getting overwhelmed just thinking about it now. The rest of the book is very good. As I said, Max breaks down the Beatitudes and explains it in a way I've never heard of in the many, many times I've heard this sermon being discussed. I honestly never thought of "those who hunger and thirst" being the spiritually hungry and thirsty. Max peppers in some personal anecdotes and stories of others along the way, and those are always great in fleshing out his points. Just like his other book I recently read, he doesn't try to dive too deep into teaching. To put a food metaphor on it, these two books feel like oatmeal and apple sauce: they will fill you and sate a hunger, but if you really want to get into the pancakes and sausage links, you can find it elsewhere. Which, as it happens, is exactly what he's talking about when he mentions those who hunger and thirst!
It's a good book but the part that still gets me is the end. When I've finally run this race to the end and I cross the finish line into Heaven, there's going to be applause. You can keep your crowns and mansions. I think the best reward is seeing the God of the universe joyfully welcoming me home. And now I'm crying, so thanks for that, Max.
December 7, 2023
Bravo, Max Lucado!! Another amazing book by this prolific writer! "The Applause of Heaven" focuses its text on The Beatitudes. Each chapter goes with a verse or a line from Matthew 5:1-10. The author shares Biblical stories, God's Promises and historical characters all told in a fresh, modern way. Lucado opens up about his own family life and ministry. These chapters are about the Prison of Pride, the Glory in the Ordinary, Seeds of Peace and the Dungeon of Doubt (to name a few!). Chapter 2 is about getting away from the busyness and finding rest in the Lord. In Chapter 6, Max Lucado shares how being a Father opened up a personal revelation about God the Father. Lucado talks about showing mercy and offering forgiveness... about purifying the heart...and Chapter 16 answers the question: Why are the Righteous persecuted? Chapter 18 discusses the book of Revelation and the amazing reward waiting for us in Heaven. The Foreword is written by Calvin Miller. My book comes with a Study Guide at the end. I highly recommend!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2025
Honestly, I was a bit disappointed. He didn’t really seem to say anything revolutionary about the Beatitudes. Maybe he added some color here and there but otherwise you should just read Matthew 5. :)
June 2, 2018
Max Lucado is always well worth reading for all of his valuable insight into God’s Word.
April 8, 2025
amazing book - amazing author - God is good
March 5, 2020
This was a beautiful read!
In this book Max discusses the Sermon on the Mount; The Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:3-12. I must admit that I have never before looked at the Beatitudes in the manner Max presented them, the presentation was simply enlightening and gripping.
Max takes each Beatitude and expounds on it creatively and carefully, but what is more wonderful is how one Beatitude seems to lead to the next, in sequence. ("Matthew, chapter five is not a list of proverbs or a compilation of independent sayings, but rather a step-by-step description of how God rebuilds the believer's heart).
I enjoyed reading the stories of both the famous and unfamous who clung to God and ended up living life beyond their limitations. Stories of people that experienced joy and peace regardless of their pressing circumstances.
Running through the Beatitudes the book explains that one has to first realize His own need for Christ, then be broken for their sins and seek forgiveness ("It is a Kingdom where the rejected are received)...These then live their lives in pursuit of God, not fame or possessions or passion. They sow seeds of peace. They are willing to be used by God and they 'manage to keep an eye on heaven while walking through hell on earth.'
This is what I will keep before me from the book:
"He has called us home with his word, paved the path with his blood, and is longing for our arrival."
In this book Max discusses the Sermon on the Mount; The Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:3-12. I must admit that I have never before looked at the Beatitudes in the manner Max presented them, the presentation was simply enlightening and gripping.
Max takes each Beatitude and expounds on it creatively and carefully, but what is more wonderful is how one Beatitude seems to lead to the next, in sequence. ("Matthew, chapter five is not a list of proverbs or a compilation of independent sayings, but rather a step-by-step description of how God rebuilds the believer's heart).
I enjoyed reading the stories of both the famous and unfamous who clung to God and ended up living life beyond their limitations. Stories of people that experienced joy and peace regardless of their pressing circumstances.
Running through the Beatitudes the book explains that one has to first realize His own need for Christ, then be broken for their sins and seek forgiveness ("It is a Kingdom where the rejected are received)...These then live their lives in pursuit of God, not fame or possessions or passion. They sow seeds of peace. They are willing to be used by God and they 'manage to keep an eye on heaven while walking through hell on earth.'
This is what I will keep before me from the book:
"He has called us home with his word, paved the path with his blood, and is longing for our arrival."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2015
Невероятна книга за радостта в Господа, базирана на Блаженствата!
May 11, 2017
This was one of my first ventures into reading a book written for a Christian religious audience. It was assigned by my church small group (thankfully, they are liberal and left-learning), of which I am a new member. I'm not well informed by things Biblical, but I am on a journey to become more so. That said, I don't believe everything I read, and the Bible is one of those. Too much violence has occurred throughout history over varied interpretations and beliefs that come out of the Bible. I digress. This book is about the beatitudes, of which I had no clue. Now I at least know a minute bit about them. I diligently read the weekly chapters and looked up the Bible passages that were recommended. Still, I found this book to be confusing and less memorable than perhaps I will find future religious books as I continue my journey toward Christian understanding and development. Admittedly, I'm glad to be done with it.
February 9, 2021
Not a huge fan of Lucado’s style in this book. His overuse of folksy illustrations distracts rather than amplifies the already powerful and well-known passages he discusses. The analogies seem continually stretched in their relevance and tend to be questionable in accuracy. Often a story is told with little to no source and tends to end up being highly inaccurate, as is the case in the analogies involving the Taj Mahal, Henry Kissinger, and especially Charlemagne. He unnecessarily adds extra made-up details to passages, like what was going through a character’s mind, making serious events appear somewhat comical. Some might appreciate his casual, folksy writing, but personally, it came across as shallow and detracted from the gravity of the Beatitudes.
December 10, 2020
This was the first book I read by Max Lucado. Each chapter of this book is one of the Beatitudes from Christ’s Sermon on the Mount found in the Bible (Matthew 5). I could re-read this book regularly. The stories that begin each chapter are so beautiful and beautifully written.
This was a book I read that was part of a 3-in-1 collection of Max Lucado books. I read through this when I was a freshman in college during my middle-of-the-night-feedings for our first born. I would feed him at around 2am every night and then read through all three books, this book being one of them. It was a gentle reminder of a powerful God. And a timely message for me as a new father to our first born of the Heavenly Father. Max’s writing style has really influenced my own writing because it is so relatable and approachable that it feels as though a he is writing directly to you.
This was a book I read that was part of a 3-in-1 collection of Max Lucado books. I read through this when I was a freshman in college during my middle-of-the-night-feedings for our first born. I would feed him at around 2am every night and then read through all three books, this book being one of them. It was a gentle reminder of a powerful God. And a timely message for me as a new father to our first born of the Heavenly Father. Max’s writing style has really influenced my own writing because it is so relatable and approachable that it feels as though a he is writing directly to you.
September 26, 2021
This was delightful. Trust Max to make mundane magnificent, fuzzy transparent and inconsequential transformative. Through reading this book Beautitudes (Sermon of the mount) will never be the same again. You will never balk from mourning, look down on poverty or despise the merciful. Suddenly, you will realize that these attributes make meaningful relationship with your Maker possible, right here on earth as He awaits to applaud you up there in heaven, for all your good works. And heaven my friend, is the place you want to be...after you hear about it, from Max.
March 19, 2023
Beautiful delve into the beatitudes and something called Sacred Delight: God's delight in us. In the end, this is a book about going home: returning to the applause of our Father, and the last chapter certainly left me longing to be there.
Four stars because, as I am reading this in 2023, Max's pop culture references are not only becoming a little dated, but some of his views on what proper social interaction should look like feel wrong to me. Every now and then I felt myself thinking "Ooh...that didn't age well." But the overall sentiment is still beautiful.
Four stars because, as I am reading this in 2023, Max's pop culture references are not only becoming a little dated, but some of his views on what proper social interaction should look like feel wrong to me. Every now and then I felt myself thinking "Ooh...that didn't age well." But the overall sentiment is still beautiful.
July 3, 2025
𝗜 𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗛𝗢𝗣𝗘, 𝗟𝗘𝗙𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦 (𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗧𝗛) 😭📖
I never really understood the Beatitudes — they always felt poetic but distant. Then 𝗠𝗮𝘅 𝗟𝘂𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗼 came in like a wise, slightly funny uncle and made it all make sense. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻 is such a warm, heartfelt read — the kind that makes you smile one moment and tear up the next. His words are deep yet approachable, with just enough 𝗱𝗮𝗱 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗼𝗿 😅 to drop truths that quietly hit home. He reminds you that 𝗚𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝘆 to care — even about the same old prayers we whisper over and over.
This book doesn’t come off as preachy — it 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀, 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽, and gently shifts how you see God. It reminded me that 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 👏🏼 — even when you feel like a mess.
5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I never really understood the Beatitudes — they always felt poetic but distant. Then 𝗠𝗮𝘅 𝗟𝘂𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗼 came in like a wise, slightly funny uncle and made it all make sense. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻 is such a warm, heartfelt read — the kind that makes you smile one moment and tear up the next. His words are deep yet approachable, with just enough 𝗱𝗮𝗱 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗼𝗿 😅 to drop truths that quietly hit home. He reminds you that 𝗚𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝘆 to care — even about the same old prayers we whisper over and over.
This book doesn’t come off as preachy — it 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀, 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽, and gently shifts how you see God. It reminded me that 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 👏🏼 — even when you feel like a mess.
5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 10, 2018
I haven't read many Christian books so my minister recommended this one to me, based on my personality and what he knows I like.
This book is wonderful! I love all the interwoven stories, I love the tone he uses throughout the book, I love the passages he highlighted, I love how he brought each character from the Bible to life.
If this is what Christian books are like, I certainly feel like I've been missing out.
This book is wonderful! I love all the interwoven stories, I love the tone he uses throughout the book, I love the passages he highlighted, I love how he brought each character from the Bible to life.
If this is what Christian books are like, I certainly feel like I've been missing out.
August 31, 2023
I read this book like wildfire.
The anecdotes were gripping and I would say just reading page 61 made the whole book worthwhile because it spoke to my heart. I have something in my life that I have been praying about for so long...and I sometimes wonders if God wants me to just leave Him alone.
But why would I think that? "There is a Father ready to comfort me."
I really enjoy Max Lucado's books and appreciate his work for the Lord.
The anecdotes were gripping and I would say just reading page 61 made the whole book worthwhile because it spoke to my heart. I have something in my life that I have been praying about for so long...and I sometimes wonders if God wants me to just leave Him alone.
But why would I think that? "There is a Father ready to comfort me."
I really enjoy Max Lucado's books and appreciate his work for the Lord.
July 11, 2020
A BEAUTIFUL WAY TO LOOK AT AND TO MEDITATE ON THE MEANING OF THE BEATITUDES; AS USUAL A STUDY GUIDE IS PROVIDED AT THE END TO FURTHER YOUR STUDY AND THE APPRECIATION FOR THE MESSAGE; YOU SHOULD FEEL VERY SPECIAL AFTER READING THIS BOOK AFTER CONSIDERING HOW MUCH GOD LOVES YOU AND WANTS YOU TO BE WITH HIM FOREVER; GREAT ILLUSTRATION IN THE LAST CHAPTER ABOUT GOING HOME.
October 11, 2018
My copy is tattered and torn, it is Lucado's early work before he became a household name and was commercially marketed. I have read it countless times and it is filled with encouragement that wraps around you like a warm blanket and the arms of someone who keeps you safe.
January 28, 2019
Antes de leer el libro estaba muy alejada de Dios , pensé que sería bueno tomar un descanso pero no se puede tomar un descanso con Dios y después de leer este libro me sentí más cercana a él y deseosa del Espíritu Santo
January 14, 2020
Home
As the tears dry on my cheeks I can only say how thankful I am to God for giving Max Lucado the ability to write books that brings truth, encouragement and hope.
I too am eager to go "Home"
Read this marvellous book and you will too.
As the tears dry on my cheeks I can only say how thankful I am to God for giving Max Lucado the ability to write books that brings truth, encouragement and hope.
I too am eager to go "Home"
Read this marvellous book and you will too.
August 20, 2020
Max Lucado is a beautiful writer. Always enjoyable to read. In this book, he felt a bit too flowery and I thought some of his stories meandering. His interpretation of a few of the Beatitudes I found less than convincing.
January 1, 2021
It is interesting to hear the words of God written in such a simple and understandable way. Even if you do not agree with everything Lucado preaches, it is fascinating to read his real life metaphors.
May 6, 2021
Lucado hace un recorrido profundo a través de las Bienaventuranzas que nos describe Mateo 5. A mi parecer, el escritor intenta llevarnos a ese momento en el que los seres humanos reconocemos nuestra fragilidad y lo mucho que necesitamos de nuestro Creador.
September 20, 2022
Uplifting
This book like all of Max Lucado's was very encouraging and uplifting! He makes you think and uses scripture to make his point!! I love all his books but this one is one of my favorite!!
This book like all of Max Lucado's was very encouraging and uplifting! He makes you think and uses scripture to make his point!! I love all his books but this one is one of my favorite!!
January 14, 2023
Beautifully written as usual
I always enjoy reading a Max Lucado book it brings joy to my heart and peace to my soul. He has a way of reminding me that God loves me more than I can comprehend, tho I'm aware I'm unworthy. What a wonderful gift he gave to us all through Jesus.
I always enjoy reading a Max Lucado book it brings joy to my heart and peace to my soul. He has a way of reminding me that God loves me more than I can comprehend, tho I'm aware I'm unworthy. What a wonderful gift he gave to us all through Jesus.
December 19, 2023
Another amazing read by Max Lucado. The way he looks at the beatitudes and the way he portrays to the reader how much they are worth and loved is always so beautiful. I am on a mission to read all of his books
December 30, 2023
Amazing!
Loved this book! Loved it! Copied parts of it to share with others. I loved how Mr lucado contrasted Christianity with other faith. It was easy to read and enjoyable. 🙂
Loved this book! Loved it! Copied parts of it to share with others. I loved how Mr lucado contrasted Christianity with other faith. It was easy to read and enjoyable. 🙂
June 17, 2025
Awesome book - a must read!!
I read this book in one day and enjoyed every minute! Max Lucaso has been gifted by God with an amazing way with words! Well done! A beautiful take on the beattitudes that blessed me tremendously!
I read this book in one day and enjoyed every minute! Max Lucaso has been gifted by God with an amazing way with words! Well done! A beautiful take on the beattitudes that blessed me tremendously!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews