Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

Max Lucado’s books have always life-changing for me. He has a way of writing that illuminate Biblical passages and concepts in practical ways that really impact people. I was very interested when I heard his new book looked at how all of us can address social justice issues in a real and personal way.

I really like the book. Lucado masterfully weaves stories of the early Christian church with other stories and illustrations to show how the Bible relates to many issues in today’s world. The chapters are concise and to-the-point.  Each chapter leads the reader through a new topic, such as breaking out of comfort zones and looking at their world with a fresh perspective. Lucado doesn’t offer easy fixes, but shows how even small efforts can make big differences.

I really appreciate the reflection questions in the back of the book. They would be really useful for small groups going through the books together. The accompanying action plans provide practical ways to apply each chapter’s main theme to everyday life.

I would highly recommend Outlive Your Life to anyone interested in making a difference in the world by the best with what you have to make a difference in the lives of others.

Disclosure of Material Connection: 

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com 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 FTC's “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

One Hand, Two Hands by Max Lucado

Children find hands very interesting. One of the first things that fascinate children is discovering their hands. As their parents use hands to caress, cuddle, squeeze, tickle and play, children become captivated with their parents’ hands. Our son can play with my fingers for hours, giggling and moving them around.  It is no surprise, then that Max Lucado’s newest children’s book focuses on our hands and the wonderful things we can do with them.

Lucado presents the message of how we can use our hands to help others in a simple way for children to understand. Illustrator, Gaby Hansen, using a subdued, almost pastel palette, makes the illustrations creative and fun – especially as she gives imaginative life to the little girl’s stuffed animals.

Lucado’s note to parents at the book’s beginning shares his heart for helping kids understand the difference between helping hands and hurting hands. His focus on the positive side seems a wise choice.

My favorite part of the book is the closing section that lists ways for hands to be helping, kind and loving. Though I would recommend this book to anyone with a small child at home, having the narrative focus on just a little girl instead of a boy and a girl limits the interest of little boys in the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: 

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com 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 FTC's “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Summit 2010 - Session 6 - Dr. Zhao Xiao

.:Beyond Economy: China's Transformation with the Cross

Four Stages or Platforms that Countries can have Influence

1 - Economics Stage - China was everywhere

2 - Political Stage - China is on U.N. Security Council

3 - Sports Stage - China hosted Olympics

4 - Faith Stage - Rarely see Chinese influence

Leadership is not just about influence. It also must be about thgoing the right direction

We must recognize, accept change.

What is the significant change between now and 500 years from now?

The most significant thing in the 20th century is not the two world wars or the rise and collapse of the soviet union. It is the rise of china because it will influence generations centuries into the future.

Summit 2010 - Session 5 with Adam Hamilton

.:When Leaders Fall

This is not an inspirational talk. But I think that for some of you, this may be the most important talk and could save your ministry or your church.

A study that was done in 2005-2006 of 1050 pastors had 30% admit to some sort of sexual impropriety during their ministry life.

Though there is not a one size fits all approach, our story might help.

I want to talk about three things
1 - Share about how my church handled a situation in this area
2 - Why Church leaders have a hard time in this area
3 - Five "Rs" for resisting temptation in your own life