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Great Day Every Day: Navigating Life's Challenges with Promise and Purpose
The alarm clock rings in a new day and a chance to rejoice in it. After "This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it."
But what about those days when the traffic snarls, airports close, and friends forget? Is there any hope for the days riddled with the hang-ups and bang-ups of life?
In Great Day Every Day Max Lucado unpacks Jesus' blueprint for dealing with such Saturate your day in Jesus' grace. Entrust your day to His oversight. Accept His direction. It's the only prescription to fill your day with God-given purpose.
When you find the divine promise of each day, you can face whatever it brings. Speed bumps and speeding tickets won’t derail you. Hiccups and hard times don’t have to ruin your day. In fact those days can become great days. Whatever you face, you can have a great day every day.
Previously released as Every Day Deserves a Chance
But what about those days when the traffic snarls, airports close, and friends forget? Is there any hope for the days riddled with the hang-ups and bang-ups of life?
In Great Day Every Day Max Lucado unpacks Jesus' blueprint for dealing with such Saturate your day in Jesus' grace. Entrust your day to His oversight. Accept His direction. It's the only prescription to fill your day with God-given purpose.
When you find the divine promise of each day, you can face whatever it brings. Speed bumps and speeding tickets won’t derail you. Hiccups and hard times don’t have to ruin your day. In fact those days can become great days. Whatever you face, you can have a great day every day.
Previously released as Every Day Deserves a Chance
Audible Audio
First published January 3, 2012
121 people are currently reading
518 people want to read
About the author
Max Lucado
1,202 books5,452 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 66 reviews
September 6, 2023
Maybe apropos that I listened to this at the New Year. Lucado gives Biblical and real life examples of how to basically look on the bright side. Count your blessings instead of curses. Don't be a "negative Nelly". Know that even though our road is paved with challenges, God is Good.
March 7, 2012
Great Day Every Day by Max Lucado
Review by Kara Grant
Have you traded the majestic for the mundane, the splendid for so-so? Somewhere along this journey we call life, have you given up on a day here and another one there? Have you decided divorce days, final-exam days, and surgery days just don’t pass muster?
Maybe you need a new prescription.
It’s not a pill to pop or drink to down. It won’t make you lose weight or erase your wrinkles. It won’t make your boss give you a raise, find your lost luggage, or help you meet that deadline.
This prescription does so much more. It offers a divine purpose and promise for each day—even the tough ones.
Tempted to toss today aside? Why not give it a chance? You may just find that injecting your day with a dose of God-given power and purpose makes it better than bearable. In fact, it could be great.
Imagine following the same prescription tomorrow. And the next day too. Soon your toss-away days will become treasures. And you can have a great day. Every day. (from inside book cover)
My review
Warning readers: do not pick up this book thinking you’ll walk away the same. Max Lucado is a favorite in my family and even though I don’t normally read nonfiction I decided to get this book so I could share it with my parents. It appeared to be a short and simple read; even the cover looks so nice and tranquil. I was not expecting to be deeply touched, convicted, moved, and uplifted by reading this. I did not realize that I would walk away feeling as if a huge weight had been lifted off of me. Are you having a bad day? Are you tired, worn out, and expecting things to get worse? Do you keep up with the daily news? Are you waiting for life to begin? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions or are pondering other ailments, please read on.
This book is divided into 3 sections and they are-
Section 1: Saturate Your Day in His Grace
*sigh* just thinking of being saturated in God’s grace calms me down; I don’t want just a small portion, I want that saturation
Section 2: Entrust Your Day to His Oversight
this is one of the biggest challenges I face every day, trusting God more….instead of coming up with resolutions for 2012 that was the only thing I challenged myself with to work on (with God’s guidance), TRUSTING Him more
Section 3: Accept His Direction
which entails discovering your purpose and following it towards greater things than you realized existed
There is also a Daily Compass at the end of each chapter as a way to be more interactive and serve as a practical guide. Here’s the first one so that you have an idea…
The next time you are mired in a bad day, check your outlook with these three questions:
1. What do I feel guilty about?
2. What am I worried about?
3. What am I about?
Reflect on your answers with these reminders:
Yesterday…forgiven.
Tomorrow…surrendered.
Today…clarified.
Jesus’ design for a good day makes much sense. His grace erases guilt. His oversight removes fear. His direction removes confusion.
Here is an excerpt:
Traffic will snarl.
Airports will close.
Friends will forget.
Spouses will complain.
And lines. Oh, the lines. Deadlines, long lines, receding hair-lines, luggage-losing airlines, nauseating pickup lines, wrinkle lines, unemployment lines, and those ever-elusive bottom lines.
And what of those days of double shadows? Those days when hope is Hindenberged by crisis? You never leave the hospital bed or wheelchair. You wake up and bed down in the same prison cell or war zone. The cemetery dirt is still fresh, the pink slip still folded in your pocket, the other side of the bed still empty…who has a good day on these days?
Most don’t…but couldn’t we try? Such days warrant an opportunity. A shot. A tryout. An audition. A swing at the plate. Doesn’t every day deserve a chance to be a good day?
There’s a discussion guide and then a Change Your Day, Change Your Life 30 day devotional at the end. Some of the scriptures he used are:
Psalm 118:24
Lamentations 3:22
Matthew 16:24
Matthew 18:21
Luke 17:11
Ephesians 2
Philippians 1:6, 4:8
Lucado also uses Biblical stories: Paul in prison, Jonah in the fish belly, Shadrach/Meshach/Abednego in the fiery furnace, Jesus in the garden, Adam and Eve, Moses, Elijah and lepers
I laughed the WHOLE way through and was deeply touched starting with page one! Give every day a chance, that’s what I learned from this heartfelt book. You might even think it was an easy book to write, not even close. Max himself points out his own frustrations and struggles and writing this book was one of them, but he pressed on and trusted God. The way he writes comes across like he’s having a conversation with you and he has a gift for bringing the Bible to life in a practical way we can relate to both with humor and wisdom. He speaks about grace, gratitude, and forgiveness with a captivating perspective that is both real and humbling. Get your copy today and prepare to be encouraged, prepare to learn what each day is really about, and prepare to have a different perspective. The pages of this book are marked by my laughter and my tears; what reaction will it get from you? I got this book thinking it would bless my family, I had no idea how much it would bless me. To learn more, visit MaxLucado.com.
I want to thank Booksneeze.com and Thomas Nelson for the copy they provided. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Review by Kara Grant
Have you traded the majestic for the mundane, the splendid for so-so? Somewhere along this journey we call life, have you given up on a day here and another one there? Have you decided divorce days, final-exam days, and surgery days just don’t pass muster?
Maybe you need a new prescription.
It’s not a pill to pop or drink to down. It won’t make you lose weight or erase your wrinkles. It won’t make your boss give you a raise, find your lost luggage, or help you meet that deadline.
This prescription does so much more. It offers a divine purpose and promise for each day—even the tough ones.
Tempted to toss today aside? Why not give it a chance? You may just find that injecting your day with a dose of God-given power and purpose makes it better than bearable. In fact, it could be great.
Imagine following the same prescription tomorrow. And the next day too. Soon your toss-away days will become treasures. And you can have a great day. Every day. (from inside book cover)
My review
Warning readers: do not pick up this book thinking you’ll walk away the same. Max Lucado is a favorite in my family and even though I don’t normally read nonfiction I decided to get this book so I could share it with my parents. It appeared to be a short and simple read; even the cover looks so nice and tranquil. I was not expecting to be deeply touched, convicted, moved, and uplifted by reading this. I did not realize that I would walk away feeling as if a huge weight had been lifted off of me. Are you having a bad day? Are you tired, worn out, and expecting things to get worse? Do you keep up with the daily news? Are you waiting for life to begin? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions or are pondering other ailments, please read on.
This book is divided into 3 sections and they are-
Section 1: Saturate Your Day in His Grace
*sigh* just thinking of being saturated in God’s grace calms me down; I don’t want just a small portion, I want that saturation
Section 2: Entrust Your Day to His Oversight
this is one of the biggest challenges I face every day, trusting God more….instead of coming up with resolutions for 2012 that was the only thing I challenged myself with to work on (with God’s guidance), TRUSTING Him more
Section 3: Accept His Direction
which entails discovering your purpose and following it towards greater things than you realized existed
There is also a Daily Compass at the end of each chapter as a way to be more interactive and serve as a practical guide. Here’s the first one so that you have an idea…
The next time you are mired in a bad day, check your outlook with these three questions:
1. What do I feel guilty about?
2. What am I worried about?
3. What am I about?
Reflect on your answers with these reminders:
Yesterday…forgiven.
Tomorrow…surrendered.
Today…clarified.
Jesus’ design for a good day makes much sense. His grace erases guilt. His oversight removes fear. His direction removes confusion.
Here is an excerpt:
Traffic will snarl.
Airports will close.
Friends will forget.
Spouses will complain.
And lines. Oh, the lines. Deadlines, long lines, receding hair-lines, luggage-losing airlines, nauseating pickup lines, wrinkle lines, unemployment lines, and those ever-elusive bottom lines.
And what of those days of double shadows? Those days when hope is Hindenberged by crisis? You never leave the hospital bed or wheelchair. You wake up and bed down in the same prison cell or war zone. The cemetery dirt is still fresh, the pink slip still folded in your pocket, the other side of the bed still empty…who has a good day on these days?
Most don’t…but couldn’t we try? Such days warrant an opportunity. A shot. A tryout. An audition. A swing at the plate. Doesn’t every day deserve a chance to be a good day?
There’s a discussion guide and then a Change Your Day, Change Your Life 30 day devotional at the end. Some of the scriptures he used are:
Psalm 118:24
Lamentations 3:22
Matthew 16:24
Matthew 18:21
Luke 17:11
Ephesians 2
Philippians 1:6, 4:8
Lucado also uses Biblical stories: Paul in prison, Jonah in the fish belly, Shadrach/Meshach/Abednego in the fiery furnace, Jesus in the garden, Adam and Eve, Moses, Elijah and lepers
I laughed the WHOLE way through and was deeply touched starting with page one! Give every day a chance, that’s what I learned from this heartfelt book. You might even think it was an easy book to write, not even close. Max himself points out his own frustrations and struggles and writing this book was one of them, but he pressed on and trusted God. The way he writes comes across like he’s having a conversation with you and he has a gift for bringing the Bible to life in a practical way we can relate to both with humor and wisdom. He speaks about grace, gratitude, and forgiveness with a captivating perspective that is both real and humbling. Get your copy today and prepare to be encouraged, prepare to learn what each day is really about, and prepare to have a different perspective. The pages of this book are marked by my laughter and my tears; what reaction will it get from you? I got this book thinking it would bless my family, I had no idea how much it would bless me. To learn more, visit MaxLucado.com.
I want to thank Booksneeze.com and Thomas Nelson for the copy they provided. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
May 11, 2012
I have started feeling like the great complainer when it comes to reviewing books. You'll get some of that in this one too. However, I'll direct most of the criticism to the title. First of all, it reminds me of this little ditty that a co-worker used to sing at camp about picking up trash..."All together we can make a difference, earth day every day." Like many things when you are young and full of yourself, it became a joke between my friend and me, so now I can't really take a comment with the same cadence seriously. I realize, that is strictly an issue with me. However, my other criticism may also resonate with others, and that is the title implies that every day will be wonderful--a name it, claim it sort of gospel, or that bad things don't really happen to good people. The contents of the book do not align with any of those thoughts, and I am sure that the title invites plenty of people searching in the "self-help" category, but I still think there is a better option out there.
I have read this book twice, mainly because so much time has passed since reading it the first time that I did not think I could write a reasonably good review about it. I am so glad that I read it the second time. If you decide to read it and find yourself grumbling about it or not liking it, my suggestion, based on personal experience, is to put it aside for awhile and then try it again later. When I read it the first time, my take on it was that it was a bit too facile, glossing over life's problems. Upon second reading, I think I was putting my own preconceived notions into the book, because I don't think he does that. He acknowledges that life is not always sweet and beautiful, that days are filled with inconveniences and heartache. It is our approach and filter that makes the difference.
If you are already a fan of Max Lucado, I am sure you will enjoy this book. He uses his typical conversational style. He uses plenty of scripture to show people in awful situations who chose to trust God. He also uses other real-life stories he has researched and accounts from his own life.
In addition to the main part of the book, there are questions that would be helpful for a book group, especially if a small group decided to read the book over a few weeks. There is another section that helps with individual application, similar to a devotional. I thought these two additions to the book really added to its usefulness. Sometimes I don't like devotionals, particularly when they tell me what I should do, but I like the direct application, and the way in which the steps could help lead to change in our approach to life.
Even though this book is easy to read, my suggestion is to read it slowly, perhaps over the course of a month. (The section in the back is divided into 30 different readings). The slower pace would allow for better digestion and practice of the books' concepts).
I appreciate Lucado's accessibility to a wide audience, but that he does not stray away from biblical teaching or dive into a humanist mindset, which I think would have been easy for a book dealing with this subject.
August 6, 2019
I've read several of Max Lucado's books, though this is the first one on audio. Not too deep Christian thoughts in that rah rah self help inspirational style. I can't say for sure there was anything memorable or so thought provoking that it would stick with me forever, but a nice audio to listen to while doing other tasks.
August 21, 2012
Imagine you are on a beautiful, white, sandy beach; the sky a brilliant blue; the ocean waves are gently lapping on the shore; the temperature is just right; and you are sitting in a comfortable chair under a slightly swaying palm tree. You are taking all this perfection in, thinking how right your world is: you are in paradise. Suddenly, out of the blue, “plop” a giant sea-gull just used you for target practice. This is what happened to the author, Max Lucado.
Afterwards, Max couldn’t quit thinking about what the bird had done, the rest of the day in “paradise” lost its sheen. Even though nothing else had changed about the day, its perfection was now lost for him. Max’s outlook and attitude about the day did a complete turnaround because of a negative situation.
This book is about the affect perspective has on one’s circumstances, and living each day to its fullest. Instead of allowing a terrible experience to color the rest of a day badly, as Max had done during his day at the beach, Max dares us to do the opposite. In fact, he proposes that even if a day is filled to over flowing with horrible experiences, we don’t have to give into negative feelings.
The whole book is full of challenges to view each day differently–if it is a ho-hum day to a really bad one. Max encourages us to do the opposite of what our gut reaction, or human nature, would normally pick. We should make each day count, live life as if the day we are currently experiencing could be our last one. He reminds us the greatest happiness often comes from self-denial, and going the second mile in life situations–doing more than we have to, or is expected. A lot of how we feel about situations is the attitude we choose to have. What our focus is on determines what we perceive our situation to be. Even in really good situations, if we look long enough, we can find something negative. We have the choice. Will we focus on the one good thing in a horrible day? Will we choose to focus on the one bad thing in a great day?
The author is not “Pollyanna” about life. He acknowledges the dreadful circumstances that we can find ourselves in. But he still inspires us to stay on the positive side. Max suggests we pray more, because “no one can pray and worry at the same time”. He tells us we need to be looking up-up to God, and realizing how special we are to Him. Not only are we cherished by God, we are like no other person on earth because of the unique experiences each of us has lived through.
Max suggests that “your past is a signpost to your future” and that we ask God how our experiences of the past can be used today. For instance, Moses’ life growing up in the house of Pharaoh gave him the experience and qualifications decades later to appear before the court of the Egyptian king with the demands on behalf of the Israelites. Our exclusive history has prepared us for our life; we need to turn to God for help using those experiences for today.
The back of the book contains a 30 day journal, or what he calls “day changers”. It’s thoughts and ideas from the book with a challenge each day to put them into action in your own life.
Although I am very familiar with the name of Max Lucado, this is the first thing of his I have ever read. The book makes you feel very positive, so for that reason alone, it is worth reading. I liked this book very much, it is easy to read, and I recommend it.
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze/Thomas Nelson Publishing for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner.
My blog: http://fushiacat.wordpress.com/
Afterwards, Max couldn’t quit thinking about what the bird had done, the rest of the day in “paradise” lost its sheen. Even though nothing else had changed about the day, its perfection was now lost for him. Max’s outlook and attitude about the day did a complete turnaround because of a negative situation.
This book is about the affect perspective has on one’s circumstances, and living each day to its fullest. Instead of allowing a terrible experience to color the rest of a day badly, as Max had done during his day at the beach, Max dares us to do the opposite. In fact, he proposes that even if a day is filled to over flowing with horrible experiences, we don’t have to give into negative feelings.
The whole book is full of challenges to view each day differently–if it is a ho-hum day to a really bad one. Max encourages us to do the opposite of what our gut reaction, or human nature, would normally pick. We should make each day count, live life as if the day we are currently experiencing could be our last one. He reminds us the greatest happiness often comes from self-denial, and going the second mile in life situations–doing more than we have to, or is expected. A lot of how we feel about situations is the attitude we choose to have. What our focus is on determines what we perceive our situation to be. Even in really good situations, if we look long enough, we can find something negative. We have the choice. Will we focus on the one good thing in a horrible day? Will we choose to focus on the one bad thing in a great day?
The author is not “Pollyanna” about life. He acknowledges the dreadful circumstances that we can find ourselves in. But he still inspires us to stay on the positive side. Max suggests we pray more, because “no one can pray and worry at the same time”. He tells us we need to be looking up-up to God, and realizing how special we are to Him. Not only are we cherished by God, we are like no other person on earth because of the unique experiences each of us has lived through.
Max suggests that “your past is a signpost to your future” and that we ask God how our experiences of the past can be used today. For instance, Moses’ life growing up in the house of Pharaoh gave him the experience and qualifications decades later to appear before the court of the Egyptian king with the demands on behalf of the Israelites. Our exclusive history has prepared us for our life; we need to turn to God for help using those experiences for today.
The back of the book contains a 30 day journal, or what he calls “day changers”. It’s thoughts and ideas from the book with a challenge each day to put them into action in your own life.
Although I am very familiar with the name of Max Lucado, this is the first thing of his I have ever read. The book makes you feel very positive, so for that reason alone, it is worth reading. I liked this book very much, it is easy to read, and I recommend it.
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze/Thomas Nelson Publishing for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner.
My blog: http://fushiacat.wordpress.com/
March 4, 2017
One of Lucado's Best Devotionals
And that is saying a lot! There are multiple layers within this book that can be used together or separately to stretch out the daily experience. The daily readings and prayers are short, to the point, and touch your heart.
And that is saying a lot! There are multiple layers within this book that can be used together or separately to stretch out the daily experience. The daily readings and prayers are short, to the point, and touch your heart.
November 12, 2019
Great thoughts on how to change your perspective from victim to being in charge of your own life. The key? Service. Shocking kindness as the author puts it. He’s very plain—get over yourself and do what really matters.
How often have I thought a situation worse than it was? I love the analogy of looking at the back of a tapestry versus the front. Most of us can only see the back with all its knots and tangled thread. But what Christ is weaving is the front.
How often have I thought a situation worse than it was? I love the analogy of looking at the back of a tapestry versus the front. Most of us can only see the back with all its knots and tangled thread. But what Christ is weaving is the front.
September 7, 2020
Yet another great book from Max Lucado focusing in on relevant issues contemporary Christians face in their day-to-day lives. Great Day Every Day gives applicable, encouraging and relatable anecdotes alongside Scripture instructing believers on how to look for the good in everyday, make the most of each opportunity and to live with purpose despite setbacks or the mundane. It was a quick and inspiring read with easily digested daily offerings, and timely reminder of some sacred truths.
January 31, 2018
Help to change your perspective
If you ever have to acknowledge your own selfishness, lack of
gratitude, or day of complaining this book will help you think about the needs of others first...be grateful for your blessings,
and rejoice in this day the Lord has made.
Good chapters, good questions at the back for each chapter,
and a 30 day journey to change your perspective.
If you ever have to acknowledge your own selfishness, lack of
gratitude, or day of complaining this book will help you think about the needs of others first...be grateful for your blessings,
and rejoice in this day the Lord has made.
Good chapters, good questions at the back for each chapter,
and a 30 day journey to change your perspective.
December 1, 2024
Max Lucado is an excellent wordsmith! The way he expresses his thoughts and feelings on scripture is so comforting… It simplifies the Word and brings it into perspective. Thanks Max, for another great book.
August 29, 2017
Good message and reminder
January 26, 2018
Love listening to Max Lucado audiobooks. Another excellent read by Max!
March 20, 2018
Silly and hokey, but several golden nuggets in it.
April 27, 2018
Excellent book.. very inspirational but I love this author!
June 2, 2018
Another great book by Max Lucado! I especially enjoyed the boy with 2 fishes & 3 loaves rap! I also enjoyed the analogy of attitude of a dog or cat who do you want to be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2019
This was a quick read with the theme greet everyday that God has put before as the day Christ gave you as a gift to enjoy.
November 22, 2019
It had been awhile since I read Max and this was refreshing. I enjoyed the dog/cat hypothetical conversation he has in the middle.
February 18, 2020
My favorite Lucado book! Am buying it on audible so i can listen often.
June 7, 2020
Timely reminder for me to try and focus on the good.
November 29, 2020
Great book! Just what I needed to help with a year (2020) filled with anxiety.
January 20, 2021
Excelente libro, para dar gracias. Te recuerda todo por lo que debes estar agradecido.
May 26, 2021
Excellent little book for an old Eeyore like me. A great book to start your morning off with. A++++++!
August 29, 2021
Inspirational, inspiring me to draw closer to God. Today will be a great day. Celebrate Him. Yes, I will.
October 26, 2021
Great reminder to embrace the possibilities that God gives us.
December 11, 2021
simple and profound
June 8, 2022
We take so much for granted. Such a great reminder to be grateful; focusing on the goodness and not the negativity.
July 27, 2022
great book
February 11, 2023
You can’t go wrong with Max Lucado. He certainly didn’t disappoint with this book. Wonderfully encouraging book that had me laughing, teary, and at times convicted. Highly recommend!
March 16, 2023
Everyday can b a great day!
May 15, 2023
As usual, Max Lucado delivers a huge dose of encouragement in this book as he reminds us how to refocus our everyday life in light of the goodness of God.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews