Turn: Remembering Our Foundations

by Max Lucado

“Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” – Psalm 103:2 The very breath that sustains you. The prosperity of our land. Both—and everything in between—are gifts from the same God. Remember Him. And turn to Him in heartfelt prayer. America ’s beloved author and 2005 National Day of Prayer spokesman, Max Lucado, issues a revolutionary call to return to the Source of our personal and national blessings. Max’s teaching and storytelling skills engage and encourage your commitment to daily enter into the presence of the giver of all good things, your Father. Turn is striking a chord in hearts and souls across America —bringing, one by one, a nation back to the Foundation on which it was built. Turn back to God… Who daily sustains your very existence, and is the sole source of your every blessing. Who showers our country with grace, creating this nation for his name’s sake. From your life to your land, his hand of mercy is upon you. It’s time now to turn and ask, “What can I do for God?” He’s waiting for you. He’s waiting for America . Story Behind the BookUsing fresh stories and original Bible teaching, 2005 National Day of Prayer spokesman Max Lucado joins seasoned author and pastor Brian Smith to call readers to a life of active prayer-guided dependence on God. The authors’ compelling, compassionate approach will cultivate hearts that truly beat for God, moving the reader from “ought” to “want” in prayer and daily surrender to Him. Turn serves as a strategic tool, urging our nation toward spiritual renewal.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Christian Living, Religion, Christian Non Fiction

67 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2005

About the author

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

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Reviews

[Megan Torrance · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent call to action for Christians who want change in America. He broke down II Chronicles 7:14, analyzing each word and all that it includes. He also included several quotes from those who desire the same change. Anyone who want to make a difference where they are should read this book.

[Phillip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max Lucado has yet to write a book I cannot relate too. Through this short, easy-to-read book, I am reminded of Scripture (II Chronicles 7:14) that tells me I can always return to Father God if I've strayed away from Him. The Great Shepard is always faithful and waits patiently for His prodigal children to return home. I was greatly encouraged through reading this book. Someone may not have grossly left home, so to speak, but in small ways may have taken up actions that are best left to the Lover of our Souls. We cannot do anything apart from our Creator. Without Jesus, I am nothing and have nothing. Why settle for the polluted, muddied waters of this world when God offers His best? Nothing else can satisfy the soul. Please read this book.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle reminder for us to turn back and admit if we are lost. Better turned around than we go with our ego and situation Become too late later.

[Austin Dorow · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Turn* by Max Lucado is a brief yet powerful exploration of repentance and spiritual renewal. In his signature warm and accessible style, Lucado encourages readers to embrace the transformative power of turning away from past mistakes and moving toward a closer relationship with God. Through relatable stories and practical insights, he makes the profound concept of repentance easy to grasp and apply to everyday life.

Lucado’s ability to distill complex spiritual ideas into simple, heartfelt advice is what makes this book stand out. Although it’s a short read, *Turn* packs a significant punch, offering a clear and hopeful message: no matter where you are in your spiritual journey, it’s never too late to change direction and realign your life with God’s purpose.

This book is perfect for both new believers and those looking to rekindle their faith, providing a fresh perspective on the power of turning toward God. Lucado’s encouraging and thoughtful approach makes *Turn* a valuable resource for anyone seeking spiritual growth and renewal.

[Alice Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little book was written for the 2005 National Day of Prayer. As such, it takes II Chronicles 7:14 and applies it to the United States as well as to our own personal lives. According to Lucado's exposition of this verse there are 4 turning points that we need to respond to. The book is published in an artistic style with numerous fonts, which makes it easy to read and catch the emphases. And Max Lucado's style is always intriguing and illuminating.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Books like these are good for a quick fix, but do usually not stay for long in mind. Lucado takes a look at some verses in 2. Chronicles, that is nice to familiarize with better and elaborates from there. Because of the format, it is not as concise at one would wish and is more of a loose "what can we get out of these verses that inspire and put to our modern context". Still, almost 4 stars, and a pleasant read.

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

In typical Max Lucado fashion, this book is Biblically sound and powerful. I had some issues with the formatting of the ebook, as the font size is inconsistent and there are textual images scattered throughout. I also wish this was more substantial and delved deeper into the topic of turning back to God as a nation. But overall, a good message that is desperately needed.

[Dawn Oswald · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was surprised that it was more of a "gift style" book but the message was good. After all that has been happening in America and with society in general, it was the right time to read it. I think that it would be great to use as a short devotional.

[Melissa Dancy-Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, Max Lucados words are inspiring and timeless....

[Ann Fleming · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

For such a small book, it is packed with God's truths. If Christians would only follow these thoughts, how different our lives would be.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in 2005 yet still true today. Short little book with deep thought.

[Kathleen Rehagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and the message was penetrating

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how well it was written. It is by my favorite author. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Carol Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

God is good! This book helped me to come to faith ❤️

[Jayne Subwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t crazy about the all caps shouting he did on many pages, but the message was great.

[Lena White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this no matter what your going through God is always there with you.

[Andrew Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this one while sorting through my mother's book collection, and while it isn't my typical reading choice, I gave it a try to stretch myself a little. I won't rehash Lucado's premise because he phrases the argument adequately on his own-- at less than 100 pages, it's a quick, short read aiming for thought-provoking rather than entertaining, but I felt it was somewhat repetitive. I can't help wonder how Mr. Lucado feels his book's premise is/isn't congruent with the United States' separation of church and state, however.

[Todd · Rating 2 out of 5]

Written almost like a comic book, I found the various font styles, sizes, and colors rather distracting. The first chapter was terrible, as Lucado clings to predestination, declaring all things to be done at God's will. This takes the wind out of anything else he might write, as if I can't choose to repent, pray, turn toward God, etc., of my own free will, then if it happens, it's the will of God, and if it doesn't, then it's also His will. Lucado gives God all the credit for rulers' good choices as stemming from God. It is only when grappling with evil that Lucado switches from God "determining" to God "permitting" without really jettisoning such a literalist predestination position. The only thing saving this book from one star was that once Lucado got past the first chapter, he got into his depth talking more to the point of his work, repentance, turning toward God in prayer. Lucado fills the book with many scriptural quotations, and works to link them all together. Of course, Satan quoted Scripture to Jesus in the desert to tempt him, so it takes more than just Bible quotes to make a good point. Not bad for inspirational bathroom reading (it's certainly not too deep), but if you want more than that, you'll really have to look elsewhere.

[Ray · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really basic, easy read. If you've spent any length of time in the Evangelical Christian community my guess is that you've heard this all before. Lucado uses scripture, but the style is very anecdotal, though nothing is drawn out, it's all kept fairly brief. The down side to this is he does not really backup to his points, or dig into areas of opposition to his ideas.
Other than that, it had a very group oriented perspective. How America as a nation should turn to God. The part about that which frustrates me is that national movements like that are based on thousands of individual decisions, not one 'communal brain' sort of deal. Maybe he's just more ambitious than I am, but I think life on life is the level where real change happens. The book is still completely applicable to an individual, but the national focus irked me for some reason.

Honestly, read the table of contents and you'll get the main idea. If you want more detailed information after that, well, it's a quick read.

[Cornell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A poignant reminder that the only way forward is turning back to the God we have forsaken. The only way up is down on our knees. Though addressed to a nation (America), the repentance message in this book applies to every individual and group of people.

The path to reforming our society begins with a reformed heart and is championed by reformed hearts. This is a simple, straightforward read which carries an urgent truth -- we need God, and we need to constantly return to God.

That's what the Gospel is all about: returning to proceed, kneeling to stand, mourning to laugh, dying to live.

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." [2 Chronicles 7:14)

I could not put it any better than Max, the healing of any land must begin with the healing of its people.

[Katerina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This small book expounds 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Lucado breaks this verse down into four things Christians should be doing to help our nation: glorifying God, praying, living God’s word, and repenting. It is an encouraging book that reminded me that how I live and pray can make a national impact.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, but has some great points and good quotes to pass along to others...and it is very timely based upon all the interest and discussion on the government right now. Using 2 Chronicles 7:14 as the basis of the book, Max does a great job of grabbing scripture throughout the Bible to help people see how God has called us as a people, a nation and as an individual to him and that when that happens, God draws near and blesses us. Worth the read.

[Cassandra Hawkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Turn: Remembering Our Foundations by Max Lucado was an interesting book. Disregarding the separation of church and state, Lucado discusses how America should return to a biblical foundation. Extremely short, this book was definitely not what I expected nor was it the kind of book I would normally read. I did enjoy the various scriptures highlighted throughout the text. Have you ever read a book by Max Lucado? What is your take on this books?

[Randy Grossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short eye opening account that emphasizes our nation's GREATEST NEED. That being a proper relationship with Almighty God, through the teachings of the Scriptures and Jesus Christ. Lucado encourages people of America to recognize God's glory, to pray fervently and realistically, to trust the Word (the Bible) and to repent of our individual sins. And we need to recognize that it starts with ME.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very small book. An easy read, 1-2 hours.

Official 2005 National Day of Prayer Theme Book.

Based on 2 Chronicles 7:14
"If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max Lucado's book, "Turn: Remembering Our Foundations," is a quick book of Christian principles. It covers prayer, repentance, God's glory, and His word. The format of the book makes it very easy to read, and ponder his messages.

I think anyone with a thirst for God's word would like this book.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Well Written Book

Max Lucado's books always speak in a very practical sense. This one is no different. I've looked at our country differently after reading this book. Change and repentance for this country is just as much my responsibility as our leader's. Thanks for the wonderful insight!

[Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great to see a well known US author remind readers that God loves people no matter what their nationality, and that any nation that turns away from God is in danger of facing His wrath.

A humbling reminder that God is in control of governments and that we should obey them.

[Hollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an eye opener to the state that our world is in currently and what it is that God wants from us. Prayer...turn to Him. Awesome good and quick read. Took all of 2 hours tops to read from front to back. Easy read, STRONG MESSAGE!