Customer Reviews

Outlive Your LIfe: You Were Made to Make A Difference

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When I first read this title I wasn't sure I wanted to "out live" my life. I am having a hard enough time living my life. Because I am familiar with Max Lucado books I thought it only fair to me to read it. See how it starts with "me". What was going to be "I will only read the first few pages right now" turned into 38 pages. It is so hard to put this book down and if you do you are still thinking about it. Mr. Lucado takes us to places we never imagined or if we did, just how were we to change them when we saw a need.

This book hurts and yet at the same time is soothing to know that you can be the difference. Yes, BE the difference this world needs. It is a challenge to live outside of yourself in today's society.

Max Lucado comforts and shows us what our two hands can do. Readings from the book of Acts you will see how biblical stories are presented in today's style. You may also cry when you read this book. I think that would be a good thing in hopes that it stirs your heart to do one thing. Just one thing to help your neighbour, feed a child, hug a friend. Let's not be so blind that things in our own country won't stir your heart to help. And this is how it starts with "Me".

Max says "There is enough food on the planet to offer every person twenty-five hundred calories of sustenance a day. We have enough food to feed the hungry. There are 145 million orphans worldwide. Nearly 236 million people in the United States call themselves Christians. Hmmm, let's say 6 percent helped. If so we could provide loving homes for more than 14.1 million children."

Can you imagine! No more starving people, no more cold children. Just where is our government in all of this?

Readers, if that doesn't stop you in your tracks nothing will. This book also supplies you with a question area in the back with some great ideas. This is another Max Lucado book I enjoyed. I would suggest this book to pastors and lay people alike.

I received a free copy from Thomas Nelson Publishing and this review is strictly my own opinion.

IE: Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make A Difference

I received this book free from Booksneeze, a book review program.

Look at the world around you. Do you notice families struggling to make ends meet? Do you see the homeless wandering about looking for spare change and shelter for the night? What about the person emotionally drained but masking the pain with work? In Outlive Your Life, author Max Lucado challenges each one of us to look within ourselves and offer a selfless hand to others around us. There are opportunities everywhere for us to make a difference in difficult times. Jesus Christ reached out to the simple folk, the tax collectors, and fishermen, radically changing their lives. Will we do the same to those hurting around us?

This book really offered some great insight into how we are presented with opportunities to help make a difference in our world around us. I hear of orphans in Africa and earthquakes in Central America, but there is pain and suffering in our own cities and this book pointed me towards looking closer at the people surrounding me and challenged me to take the initiative and reach out to these individuals. We never know how one simple act of kindness will translate into something greater, but just as Jesus reached out to help the least of them, we are called to do the same today.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the [...] <[...]> 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.'

As the title of the book says, we were meant to outlive our life; to make a difference, no matter how small, in the life of someone else. If we think hard enough, we all can recall that special someone, maybe a stranger, who left an impact in our life.

Before I started reading this book, I really didn't know what to expect. I figured I'd learn something dynamic that would enhance my life or may be leave something behind after I'm gone. What I found basically is what I already knew but maybe forget sometimes. This book is about 'doing unto others'. It is a reminder that we are not placed on this earth to be solitary players, but to look out for each other, do a kindness, perform a random act of kindness, lend a hand. If we call ourselves Christian then we should act like one; people should see Jesus in us.

This book was easy to read and could be enjoyed by anyone of any faith. We all have the capability of taking our head out of the sand, to help others.

I was sent a complimentary copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers through Booksneeze so that I may review it and give my opinion. IE: Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make A Difference

Right off the top I have a confession to make: I've only read Max Lucado's children stories, and as is such I didn't know what to expect when I began to read. I had this faint notion that this book was about leaving a spiritual legacy for your children (because there was a child on the cover and because I was expecting our second child this month). And so, simply put, I was caught off guard when these presumptions were not met.

How to Out Live Your Life is a call to compassion Christian action built around the first eleven chapters Acts. Lucado - in his warm and inviting way - re-tells the stories of the first believers and uses them to illuminate the way of Christ and how believers thousands of years later are called to change the world in simple yet counter-cultural ways. Through his charming stories and homespun wisdom, Lucado challenges Christ followers to live out the simple mission of the early church: meet the spiritual and material needs of the people we come in contact with.

This book was of a slow starter for me. A few chapters in I was skeptical: this wasn't a new a message I was reading and I was getting bored. Halfway through I noticed my interest was growing. By chapter eleven I was thoroughly engaged and fired up! Lucado roots for the little guy, the simple man or woman who desires to be faithful to Christ yet often find themselves feeling inadequate and worth little to offer the local or global church. Yet even I as a pastor felt encouraged and motivated to be moved by Christ's compassion to be his ambassador of love to my community and the world.

It makes me want to pick up another Lucado book sooner rather than later. I suggest picking up this book if it's in your church library and would be a wonderful resource for a church family preaching through Acts - as potential sermon fodder and as a complimentary small group resource - or as a supplement to personal devotions.

Wrapping things up, it may be a small thing, but I was deeply blessed by the brief prayers that concluded each chapter. I'm not typically one who is drawn to 'pre-fab' prayers, but these carefully selected words guided me as I desired to voice my heart's cry to God and make His heart for the world mine.

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I buy a lot of books, but I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through [...] and these opinions are my own.

Max Lucado speaks from the heart in his newest work "Out Live Your Life": You Were Made To Make A Difference. Lucado expertly weaves biblical and contemporary examples of peoples response to those in need. There are many tangible suggestions of how to get involved and make a difference to the desperate and despairing around us; tackling the overwhelming needs that surround us. Each chapter begins and ends with a verse, in a sense creating book ends for the words of exhortation in between. This book not only covers why we should live our lives to make a difference, but also to whom, and how. I found myself pondering the truths shared and humbled by the challenges these insights represent. I also appreciate that 100% of the sales from this book are being donated to help those in need through organizations such as World Vision. It's a win-win situation.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their [...] 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.

Allow me to begin this review with two confessions: a) I'm not a huge fan of Max Lucado's books [admittedly having read maybe only one or two in the past], based partly on the fact that this one in particluar is endorsed by the likes of Kathie Lee Gifford [enough said], and b) I am generally skeptical of books that feature several different variations (ie: a version for children / teens, a participant's guide, an inspirational booklet, church DVD, music CD, desk calendar etc.) Knowing that this book was a product of both, it might seem off that I would bother to request this book to review. Suspecting that most who would request this book would be the kind of people who might give it a glowing if not uncritical review, I decided to have a go at it and maybe offer a different perspective.

While I can't say that, in my reading of Outlive Your Life, many of my fears in regards to these kinds of books weren't realized, I also can't say that I wasn't sometimes pleasantly surprised along the way. For what Lucado might lack in theological depth, he makes up in his ability to tell stories [my favorite of which, in this book, being his take on Ananias and Sapphira], and these stories root simple biblical truths into the fabric of the realities of every day life with a view to spurring the reader into action.

In Outlive Your Life, Lucado takes the reader through the book of Acts, examining the lives and work of the earliest followers of Jesus, and, in so doing, encourages us to consider what kind of impact could be made in the world if we were only to step out and do likewise. While the task of setting the world to rights seems like a daunting task, in light of the litany of deep-seated issues that we see playing out around every day, Lucado repeatedly argues that none of us can help everyone, but all of us can help someone. In taking the time to seek out ways to make a positive impact in the lives of our neighbors and in the world at large, we engage in very real acts of serve unto Christ himself, and, in Lucado's words, who would want to miss a chance to do that?

Maybe I'm succeeding in my quest to become less cynical, and maybe I'm learning not to pick at everything I read in the name of theological snobbery, but I came away from a reading of this book feeling encouraged to get off my donkey and put into action that which I believe. And, in this case and in only light of the overarching call to all those who would seek to follow Jesus, maybe it's not a bad thing that there are several volumes to this book, because it's a message that all who have ears should hear. [Having said that, there are several similarly themed books that I would recommend way before this one.] Plus, the back cover tells us that 100% of the author's royalties will be given to World Vision / other faith-based ministries of compassion [yes, a very vague statement that may or may not be comforting], so perhaps some good can come from simply reading the book.

There you have it ' a somewhat ambiguous review based on my honest thoughts on a book that I probably (nay) definitely would not have purchased / read had I not received a free copy, but one that I am glad that I spent some time with.

I reviewed the book "Out live Your Life" by Max Lucado. This is the first book by Max Lucado that I have read. I wasn't sure how I was going to like it since I am not a religious person. I am now glad that I took the opportunity to read this book.

This book is about all the problems in the world today and how much a difference it can make if everyone just reached out their hand to help. There is a lot reference to the bible and about strengthening relationships with Christ, but I also think this book is for everyone.

There is a lot of antidotes that are funny and serious that really get you thinking about what is going on in our society and how you alone can lend a hand to change it. He explains in this book that you may not think it is something major that you are doing, but to the person that you are reaching out to it means the world. Each chapter focuses on a different topic for you to reflect on. Max Lucado talks about his own feelings on certain topics and about others' feelings that he has encountered in his journeys.

"Out Live Your Life" will give you a lot to think about on how you see the world and will make a difference on how you SEE people now matter if you are Christian or not. This book will make the difference in a persons life even if it is just a small one...which will in the end make a huge impact in someone else's life.

Awhile ago I joined BookSneeze.com and spoke for Max Lucado's new book Out Live Your Life ... You Were Made To Make A Difference. I am not sure what I expected ' but this book wasn't it.

Perhaps I thought Max Lucado would be offering something personal to me, telling me how to come out of blah living, rise up out of the occasional doldrums, and get a new and exciting perspective on life. Instead he creatively reminded me of how good I have it in this part of the world, and how so many are lacking in the comfort things that this world offers. He reminded me of my comfortable Christianity, and of the spiritually depraved, and of those who hunger to know God, and of those who dare to know Him in places where Jesus is not welcome.

Max challenged me to look beyond my supposed needs to consider once again the needs of others and what more I can do to help make another's life a little more bearable. I have often thought that if we each were to make a positive difference in one other person's life ' what an impact and growing influence it would have on our world. Max gives many simple examples of how to do that, never straying far from the word of God.

So, even though this book wasn't what I expected, it is more, and what I needed to read. Max Lucado's writing style doesn't disappoint. This book will take you beyond your own narrow space in the world and open to you a panoramic view that will broaden your horizons. If you really pay attention, put time and thought into each chapter's study questions in the back, and seek God's direction for where your focus should be ' you can out live your life. In so doing you will find excitement through making a real difference in this world, one person at a time, in Jesus' name.

Max Lucado has a gift. His ability to get truth into beautiful phrases and illustrations disarms the impact of this book. An easy read for a not so easy challenge ' one that
everyone in North American needs to hear.

The book walks slowly through themes relating to giving one's life for a greater good, but not merely for goodness sake, rather, out of a response to the greatness of God's grace and love.

Each chapter takes you a step closer to action and encourages a variety of needed feelings, thoughts, and decisions to become the kind of person whose life will outlive them.

If you're comfortable with the way you're spending your time and money then don't read this book. If you're open to your life making a difference in this world and the possibility of God using you in personal and communal ways, then take the challenge.

On top of all that, it's a joy to read.

Suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The Holy Spirit came upon them suddenly - not predictably or expectedly or customarily but 'suddenly'.

Welcome to the world of Acts and the 'sudden' Spirit of God, sovereign and free, never subordinate to timing or technique. He creates His own agenda, determines his own calendar, and keeps His own hours.

Fire and wind now. House shaking later. Visiting the Samaritans after water baptism. Falling on the Gentiles before water baptism.

And here, roaring like a tornado through Jerusalem. The 'Sound' filled the whole house' and spilled into the streets. The whistling, rushing,blowing sound of a wind.

They began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

..........we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.
So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, 'Whatever could this mean?'(vv.4-12)

Envision such a phenomenon. Imagine a cosmopolitan center such as New York City. Fifth Avenue is packed with business people, laborers, and travellers from all over the world.

Early one morning as the mobs throb their way to work, the sound of wind shakes the boulevard. The roar is so stout and robust that people stop dead in their tracks as if expecting to see a train blaze down the avenue.

Silence falls on the city only to be interrupted by the voices of a group gathered in Central Park. One hundred and twenty people speak, each one standing beneath a different flame, each one proclaiming God's goodness in a different language. Witnesses hear their native tongues. Jose from Spain hears about God's mercy in Spanish, Mayo from Japan hears a message in Japanese.....They hear different languages but one message: the wonders of God.

Whatever could this mean ? (v.12) ...rushing wind and falling fire....

At least this much....God loves the nations.....He longs to proclaim His greatness in all 6909 languages that exist in the world today.

He loves all people groups and equips us to be His voice.

He commissions common Galileans, Nebraskans, Canadians, and Koreans to speak the languages of the peoples of the world.

He teaches us the vocabulary of the distant lands, the dialect of the discouraged neighbor, the vernacular of the lonely heart, and the idiom of the young student.

God outfits his followers to cross cultures and touch hearts. Pentecost makes this promise: if you are in Christ, God's Spirit will speak through you.

Let God unshell you. And when He does, 'make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given , and then sink yourself into that.(Gal.6:4 msg.)

Don't miss the opportunity to discover your language.

I am reading the above book. I joined booksneeze.com and you get to review a book which they send you for free and you just write a review of it on your blog. Pretty cool...

So, this one chapter has impacted me most so far,especially the invitation to 'discover your language'....which for me has clearly been a burden for the elderly.

I love that God speaks every language, and likes to awaken our ear to hear the many and varied ways He chooses to speak .

And I really appreciate Max Lucado and the language the Lord has chosen to speak His heart to me through. Very nice.