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The Inspirational Study Bible: Life Lessons from the Inspired Word of God -New King James Version
The Inspirational Study Bible - New King James Version: Max Lucado,
The Inspirational Study Bible presents the complete text of the Bible together with over seven hundred essential "life lessons." Each of these teaching units are designed to give the reader a new understanding and appreciation of specific passages of Scripture.
The Inspirational Study Bible presents the complete text of the Bible together with over seven hundred essential "life lessons." Each of these teaching units are designed to give the reader a new understanding and appreciation of specific passages of Scripture.
1560 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1995
About the author
Max Lucado
1,262 books5,676 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 2, 2014
I have read the Bible through 4 times, most recently completing this Study Bible with supplements by Max Lucado. I read this Inspirational Study Bible straight through, about a chapter at a time, over about the last 4 years, including the inspiration supplements provided by Lucado.
During the course of my reading, I often jotted down particular verses that offered special inspiration, and then organized them into a sort of personal concordance, under relevant headings. There are far too many verses (24 pages worth) for me to quote every single one of them here, but what I will do is address those headings which seemed to accumulate the most verses. Below I will relate briefly what I gained from the verses under headings and include the citations.
Action (Mica 6:8, Titus 3:8, James 2:14-17, James 2:24, James 2:26)
My spiritual life experiences and study have convinced me firmly that our faith must be combined with action in order to become concrete in the world. The combination of faith and action is what makes God manifest and truly real for us in this life.
Church (Rom 12:9-21, Rom. 15:7, Acts 20:28, Rom 12:4-5, 1 Corinthians 3:9, John 10:16, Acts 17:24, Acts 17:25, Acts 2:44-45)
These verses address the nature of the church and what the church should look like. Reading them immediately attests to what our present church is not and underscores what we need to work on. Most lacking today are the communal aspects of church. We see communion more as a ritual and less as interactive caring, less as giving ourselves for one another, and less in sharing what we have. It is unfortunate that when we ask a member of the congregation what communion is they first respond by identifying the ritual of communion. The ritual of communion is the symbol for giving the body, the labor, and the very subsistence to benefit others. Let us ascend beyond the ritual and into the reality.
Evil & adversity (Isaiah 19:14, Isaiah 10:20, Isaiah 45:7, Isaiah 54:16, Jeremiah 14:16, Psalm 66:11, Ecclesiastes 7:14, John 9: 103)
Many may be surprised to find in the above verses acknowledgement that evil and adversity are bequeathed to us as a sort of fertilizer or, as Isaiah says, “to refine us in the furnace of affliction”. Evil exists in the world to facilitate our understanding of goodness, of God, and of the Way. When we observe it, it stimulates us toward its polar contrast and garnishes our understanding of why that contrast is holy and worthy of praise. We can’t truly understand compassion until we see greed. We can’t fully appreciate honesty until we’ve seen deceit and on and on.
The Nature of God (Psalm 11:7, Proverbs 11:4, 2 Chronicles 5:13, 2 Chronicles 20:21, John 1:1, John 18:37, Colossians 1:15, Galatians 5:22, Philippians 4:8, Titus 2:11, Psalm 139:8, 2 Chronicles 15:9, Isaiah 46:10, Psalm 135:6
These verses reveal that God is the Word (John 1:1) and is invisible (Colossians 1:15). Many different verses reveal the character of this Word as: generous, righteous, upright, longsuffering, kind, good, faithful, gentle, peaceful, self-controlled, honest, truthful, sincere, loving, compassionate, forgiving, patient, humble, wise, merciful, joyful, etc., essentially whatever is noble, just, pure, lovely, good, & praiseworthy. Essentially these are the characteristics by which God chooses to reveal himself to most people, in ways that are for the people and which cause the people to flourish and grow spiritually. God is also revealed to be omnipresent (everywhere) and omnipotent.
Hell (Jeremiah 51:57, Isaiah 66:24, John 17:12, Proverbs 11:19, Proverbs 21:18, 2 Chronicles 36:16, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, 2 Thessalonians 2:10)
Hell is presented in different ways and is rather mysterious. In Jeremiah 51:57 a “perpetual sleep” is mentioned, but Isaiah speaks of an unquenchable fire. In John it suggests that all are saved except the son of perdition. In Proverbs we read that the wicked somehow ransom the righteous and pursue their own death. Thessalonians speaks of everlasting destruction (being dead forever) for the ones that do not know God. Quite frankly, because a mere lifetime is not even the size of a pinpoint in comparison to all eternity, it is difficult to imagine justice being served by an eternal torture as espoused by fundamentalists. Eternal destruction is certainly the more prevalent concept. Eternal torture of souls just isn’t compatible with any concept of a merciful and just God and I do not believe it to be true.
Jesus (Luke 18:18, John 10:30, Colossians 1:15, Colossians 2:8-9, Colossians 2:11, Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 1:3, Hebrews 5:12, Hebrews 13:8)
Jesus is presented in a myriad of roles: as the human example, as the shepherd, as the personification of God, as the sovereign, as the way to salvation, as the Word, as the son, and as the sufferer; and yet, in Hebrews 13:8 as immutable.
Prayer (John 14:14, John 15:7, John 15:16, John 16:23, 1 Timothy 2:8)
The power of God is revealed to us through prayer. These verses reveal the enormous power of prayer.
Knowledge-Reason- Wisdom-Understanding (Romans 14:22, Hosea 4:6, Job 28:28, Proverbs 11:9, Philippians 1:9)
These verses confirm that we should embrace knowledge, wisdom, discernment, and understanding. That we are delivered through knowledge.
Righteousness (Psalm 11:7, Proverbs 11:4, Proverbs 11:19, Proverbs 12:28, Proverbs 13:6, 2 Corinthians 9:9, 2 Corinthians 9:10, Titus 1:15)
Righteousness is used extensively throughout the Bible and in many ways is relayed as almost synonymous with God. In Psalms 11:7 it says the Lord is righteous (as in John it says God is love). Righteousness is the way God is exhibited to us. Righteousness is what we can recognize, relish, uplift, and it is the path down which we may pursue God in ever greater portions.
Sin (Jeremiah 5:25, Jeremiah 47:5, Proverbs 28:18, 2 Chronicles 25:4, 1 Thessalonians 4:6, Romans 8:5-6, John 8:36, Galatians 5:19-021, Romans 6:19, Romans 7:4-6, Psalm 37:27, John 7:11, John 5:14, 1 John 3:6, 1 John 3:9-10, Romans 6:12-14, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Colossians 3:5, 1 Thessalonians 2:12, Ephesians 4:1, Ephesians 4:12-13, 2 Timothy 2:19, Malachi 3:5, Isaiah 1:11-17)
The Bible is clear that the consequence of sin is enslavement and death; but that freedom and life are bequeathed through Christ. The dozen or so verses in italics tell us to stop sinning. The fact that the Bible tells us over and over again to stop sinning means that we can, indeed, stop sinning. And so we must endeavor to stop sinning.
Son’s of God (John 8:42, John 10:31-36, John 12:36, John 17:11, John 17:20-23, John 20:21-23, Acts 5:15-16, Acts 6:8, Galatians 3:26, Galatians 4:7)
Jesus recognizes God is his Father and can be our Father as well. Jesus shows that goodness emanates from the Father. Have you said it or can you say it? Can you say: “I am the Son of God”? To say that is to take into yourself some very serious matters. Being able to say it is a prerequisite for entrance into the next dimension, as distinguished from “this world”. Jesus received glory from his Father and also revealed that glory to us, that we also may be sons, and similarly affect the world while we are in it.
Work (Isaiah 62:9, Psalm 128:1-4, Proverbs 14:23, Luke 19:26, John 5:17, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Ephesians 4:28)
As evidenced in the above verses, we are called to work. The contribution of valuable work to society is uplifted in the Bible. In fact, in John 5:17, Jesus says that both he and his Father are working. Certainly if God is working, shouldn’t you be also? There is enormous gratification and peace to be found in working for the Kingdom. Put on your boots!
During the course of my reading, I often jotted down particular verses that offered special inspiration, and then organized them into a sort of personal concordance, under relevant headings. There are far too many verses (24 pages worth) for me to quote every single one of them here, but what I will do is address those headings which seemed to accumulate the most verses. Below I will relate briefly what I gained from the verses under headings and include the citations.
Action (Mica 6:8, Titus 3:8, James 2:14-17, James 2:24, James 2:26)
My spiritual life experiences and study have convinced me firmly that our faith must be combined with action in order to become concrete in the world. The combination of faith and action is what makes God manifest and truly real for us in this life.
Church (Rom 12:9-21, Rom. 15:7, Acts 20:28, Rom 12:4-5, 1 Corinthians 3:9, John 10:16, Acts 17:24, Acts 17:25, Acts 2:44-45)
These verses address the nature of the church and what the church should look like. Reading them immediately attests to what our present church is not and underscores what we need to work on. Most lacking today are the communal aspects of church. We see communion more as a ritual and less as interactive caring, less as giving ourselves for one another, and less in sharing what we have. It is unfortunate that when we ask a member of the congregation what communion is they first respond by identifying the ritual of communion. The ritual of communion is the symbol for giving the body, the labor, and the very subsistence to benefit others. Let us ascend beyond the ritual and into the reality.
Evil & adversity (Isaiah 19:14, Isaiah 10:20, Isaiah 45:7, Isaiah 54:16, Jeremiah 14:16, Psalm 66:11, Ecclesiastes 7:14, John 9: 103)
Many may be surprised to find in the above verses acknowledgement that evil and adversity are bequeathed to us as a sort of fertilizer or, as Isaiah says, “to refine us in the furnace of affliction”. Evil exists in the world to facilitate our understanding of goodness, of God, and of the Way. When we observe it, it stimulates us toward its polar contrast and garnishes our understanding of why that contrast is holy and worthy of praise. We can’t truly understand compassion until we see greed. We can’t fully appreciate honesty until we’ve seen deceit and on and on.
The Nature of God (Psalm 11:7, Proverbs 11:4, 2 Chronicles 5:13, 2 Chronicles 20:21, John 1:1, John 18:37, Colossians 1:15, Galatians 5:22, Philippians 4:8, Titus 2:11, Psalm 139:8, 2 Chronicles 15:9, Isaiah 46:10, Psalm 135:6
These verses reveal that God is the Word (John 1:1) and is invisible (Colossians 1:15). Many different verses reveal the character of this Word as: generous, righteous, upright, longsuffering, kind, good, faithful, gentle, peaceful, self-controlled, honest, truthful, sincere, loving, compassionate, forgiving, patient, humble, wise, merciful, joyful, etc., essentially whatever is noble, just, pure, lovely, good, & praiseworthy. Essentially these are the characteristics by which God chooses to reveal himself to most people, in ways that are for the people and which cause the people to flourish and grow spiritually. God is also revealed to be omnipresent (everywhere) and omnipotent.
Hell (Jeremiah 51:57, Isaiah 66:24, John 17:12, Proverbs 11:19, Proverbs 21:18, 2 Chronicles 36:16, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, 2 Thessalonians 2:10)
Hell is presented in different ways and is rather mysterious. In Jeremiah 51:57 a “perpetual sleep” is mentioned, but Isaiah speaks of an unquenchable fire. In John it suggests that all are saved except the son of perdition. In Proverbs we read that the wicked somehow ransom the righteous and pursue their own death. Thessalonians speaks of everlasting destruction (being dead forever) for the ones that do not know God. Quite frankly, because a mere lifetime is not even the size of a pinpoint in comparison to all eternity, it is difficult to imagine justice being served by an eternal torture as espoused by fundamentalists. Eternal destruction is certainly the more prevalent concept. Eternal torture of souls just isn’t compatible with any concept of a merciful and just God and I do not believe it to be true.
Jesus (Luke 18:18, John 10:30, Colossians 1:15, Colossians 2:8-9, Colossians 2:11, Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 1:3, Hebrews 5:12, Hebrews 13:8)
Jesus is presented in a myriad of roles: as the human example, as the shepherd, as the personification of God, as the sovereign, as the way to salvation, as the Word, as the son, and as the sufferer; and yet, in Hebrews 13:8 as immutable.
Prayer (John 14:14, John 15:7, John 15:16, John 16:23, 1 Timothy 2:8)
The power of God is revealed to us through prayer. These verses reveal the enormous power of prayer.
Knowledge-Reason- Wisdom-Understanding (Romans 14:22, Hosea 4:6, Job 28:28, Proverbs 11:9, Philippians 1:9)
These verses confirm that we should embrace knowledge, wisdom, discernment, and understanding. That we are delivered through knowledge.
Righteousness (Psalm 11:7, Proverbs 11:4, Proverbs 11:19, Proverbs 12:28, Proverbs 13:6, 2 Corinthians 9:9, 2 Corinthians 9:10, Titus 1:15)
Righteousness is used extensively throughout the Bible and in many ways is relayed as almost synonymous with God. In Psalms 11:7 it says the Lord is righteous (as in John it says God is love). Righteousness is the way God is exhibited to us. Righteousness is what we can recognize, relish, uplift, and it is the path down which we may pursue God in ever greater portions.
Sin (Jeremiah 5:25, Jeremiah 47:5, Proverbs 28:18, 2 Chronicles 25:4, 1 Thessalonians 4:6, Romans 8:5-6, John 8:36, Galatians 5:19-021, Romans 6:19, Romans 7:4-6, Psalm 37:27, John 7:11, John 5:14, 1 John 3:6, 1 John 3:9-10, Romans 6:12-14, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Colossians 3:5, 1 Thessalonians 2:12, Ephesians 4:1, Ephesians 4:12-13, 2 Timothy 2:19, Malachi 3:5, Isaiah 1:11-17)
The Bible is clear that the consequence of sin is enslavement and death; but that freedom and life are bequeathed through Christ. The dozen or so verses in italics tell us to stop sinning. The fact that the Bible tells us over and over again to stop sinning means that we can, indeed, stop sinning. And so we must endeavor to stop sinning.
Son’s of God (John 8:42, John 10:31-36, John 12:36, John 17:11, John 17:20-23, John 20:21-23, Acts 5:15-16, Acts 6:8, Galatians 3:26, Galatians 4:7)
Jesus recognizes God is his Father and can be our Father as well. Jesus shows that goodness emanates from the Father. Have you said it or can you say it? Can you say: “I am the Son of God”? To say that is to take into yourself some very serious matters. Being able to say it is a prerequisite for entrance into the next dimension, as distinguished from “this world”. Jesus received glory from his Father and also revealed that glory to us, that we also may be sons, and similarly affect the world while we are in it.
Work (Isaiah 62:9, Psalm 128:1-4, Proverbs 14:23, Luke 19:26, John 5:17, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Ephesians 4:28)
As evidenced in the above verses, we are called to work. The contribution of valuable work to society is uplifted in the Bible. In fact, in John 5:17, Jesus says that both he and his Father are working. Certainly if God is working, shouldn’t you be also? There is enormous gratification and peace to be found in working for the Kingdom. Put on your boots!
September 22, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this study Bible. Max has a gifted way of highlighting the history, culture, and customs of each passage and their authors. And emphasizes our need for salvation and how to walk in God's truth and live in His promises.
June 19, 2020
My college roommate and dear friend gave this wonderful Bible to me on 8/26/2001. It has been a longtime dream to read the Bible in it's entirety. After many attempts in my early teens that resulted in weary and sleepy eyes with the King James Version; I was able to both read and learn about God's workings.
For so long, I always had in -mind, faith, and talk- that God indeed wants us to be happy. Our Heavenly Father is not chaos, unforgiving, or mean. To read about and feel the joy, protection, peace, instruction, and love that God delivered to His obedient and listening children who trust and has faith in Him, was fulfilling to say the least.
In my endeavor last year after beginning the Bible, yet again; I stumbled across a A Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. Pastor Warren's book provided some great resources, specifically A One Year Bible Reading Plan. As a result, I paced myself with great comfort and read the Bible in it's entirety in a little over 13 months. It was one of the most insightful, invigorating, peaceful and delightful periods of my life.
In terms of this particular Bible, it is not only readable but digestible too. Being birth in late 20th century, the New Kings James Version was welcoming to my eyes and understanding. I also appreciate the Life Lesson column throughout this Bible, which offers an explanation of the "situation" within verses as well as further "application" guidance.
If I had to pick my top 3 favorites books within:
-The Old Testament, it would be a) Psalms b) Song of Solomon c) Jeremiah
-The New Testament, it would be a) Matthew b) John c) Ephesians
My top 5 favorite verses:
a) Hebrews 13:5-6
b) Proverbs 3:11-12, 17-18
c) Numbers 6:24-26
d) John 14:27; 20:29
e) Romans 8:6, 26, 31; 12:21
~Be well~
For so long, I always had in -mind, faith, and talk- that God indeed wants us to be happy. Our Heavenly Father is not chaos, unforgiving, or mean. To read about and feel the joy, protection, peace, instruction, and love that God delivered to His obedient and listening children who trust and has faith in Him, was fulfilling to say the least.
In my endeavor last year after beginning the Bible, yet again; I stumbled across a A Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. Pastor Warren's book provided some great resources, specifically A One Year Bible Reading Plan. As a result, I paced myself with great comfort and read the Bible in it's entirety in a little over 13 months. It was one of the most insightful, invigorating, peaceful and delightful periods of my life.
In terms of this particular Bible, it is not only readable but digestible too. Being birth in late 20th century, the New Kings James Version was welcoming to my eyes and understanding. I also appreciate the Life Lesson column throughout this Bible, which offers an explanation of the "situation" within verses as well as further "application" guidance.
If I had to pick my top 3 favorites books within:
-The Old Testament, it would be a) Psalms b) Song of Solomon c) Jeremiah
-The New Testament, it would be a) Matthew b) John c) Ephesians
My top 5 favorite verses:
a) Hebrews 13:5-6
b) Proverbs 3:11-12, 17-18
c) Numbers 6:24-26
d) John 14:27; 20:29
e) Romans 8:6, 26, 31; 12:21
~Be well~
October 24, 2019
This New King James Version of the Holy Bible with the many life lessons and inspirational thoughts provides an excellent tool for Christians who want to do more than just read through the Bible in a year. Although a good and worthy cause, which I have been able to do at multiple times in my life, I wanted to take a slower pace and absorb more than I can do when I am trying to accomplish a complete reading in 365 days. Face it: we need to do more than just read through it for the sake of saying we read the entire Bible. We need to spend time pondering it. The life lessons are a great help in delving more into the words of the text. I highly recommend this Bible for students of the Bible.
September 5, 2019
It took me 7 years to read this book. A study book that needs to be savored one chapter at a time. I love the insights and devotions that Max Lucado added to most chapters, making it easier to understand and use with our current everyday lives. The title tells it all: Inspirational!!
May 23, 2017
How do I Read it I can't figure it out I clicked on it but nothing happens
June 26, 2023
This is my very favorite Bible.
The devotions and short commentaries and questions help add value to the word, digging deeper in prayer and knowledge in Gods word.
The devotions and short commentaries and questions help add value to the word, digging deeper in prayer and knowledge in Gods word.
April 25, 2024
Not my favorite translation.
December 30, 2025
Accessible translation with spiritually-helpful introductions to the books and thoughtful devotionals.
September 15, 2011
I have read this Bible and am currently re-reading it. The Bible is a wonderful book to live by if everyone would practice the guidelines presented in this book there would never be any wars, crime or heart break. Sure this world is a sinful place but God has provided a way out by giving us His Son as our sacrifice and advocate. I am looking forward to the New Earth that is described in the Bible where there is no more sin,tears, death or troubles. A must read for the entire planet.
April 24, 2008
Of course the Bible is awesome in itself, but Max Lucado writes stories to illustrate them in a way we can relate them to our lives today. What an awesome way to live the Bible out before your own eyes!
July 11, 2008
This is the first book that I bought on my own I read this book so much and underlined and highlighted it, it fell apart at the seems, I remember Taylor sitting on my lap when she was like three and ripped one of the pages out of ot!!
August 9, 2008
I have many Bibles in my collection of books. This one is one of my favorites by Max Lucado.
The scripture verses are easy to read and understand. Max Lucado adds his own insight and I always enjoy getting his interpretation of the scriptures.
The scripture verses are easy to read and understand. Max Lucado adds his own insight and I always enjoy getting his interpretation of the scriptures.
April 21, 2009
I actually have the New King James Version. Nicely done . . . I enjoy Lucado's devotions on each page and I ESPECIALLY enjoy his introductions into each book. I must confess, though, that on this, my third (or fourth?) trip through this Bible, that I am not reading the devotions on the side. . .
June 16, 2012
Wow! Wonderful! I think it took me 3-5 years, but it's one of those you don't want to read it to "finish" reading it, I still pick it up & read stuff (both the actual Bible part & the supplemental material Max Lucado put in the margins) once in a while.
February 3, 2008
I'm no longer a Christian--I haven't figured out where I stand religiously--but
when I did walk the Christian path this book moved me. And I would refer to it now
for biblical references.
when I did walk the Christian path this book moved me. And I would refer to it now
for biblical references.
August 1, 2008
Great translation, easy to read and understand, insightful devotionals throughout.
Currently Reading
February 27, 2009I have so much to read and learn about the bible. I am a christian, and I don't know half of what I should. I'm glad it was given to me as a gift from my Mom before she passed away.
December 16, 2009
One of the best gifts I've ever received from my incredible mother.
April 14, 2011
Yes, I read the entire Bible. It took me approximately one and a half years, but I did it.
Currently Reading
August 7, 2012Great plots!
October 23, 2008
This is my Bible- great notes in the columns
Read
December 17, 2012Good bible
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews