Its Not About Me

I'll be honest ... I read and have a lot of Lucado's books. Why?

I'll be honest ... I read and have a lot of Lucado's books. Why? Because they are simple, sound, and concise.

This one took me awhile to get reading at first. Why was that? Perhaps because I'm still getting used to using and reading certain books on my e-reader. Perhaps it was too simple. Perhaps because of life itself. Anyways ... Max Lucado again writes a homerun book. A good reminder that it isn't about US, but about Him.

One of my favourite chapters was Chapter Eight. The story of G.R. Tweed hit home. As we are to be reflecting the mirror of our Lord (2 Cor. 3:16) In Chapter 9, Max Lucado shares about a European priest who gathered the Church for a special service .... in the darkness of the night ...they waited.

Soon the priest arrived. "when he reached the crucifix that hung on the wall, he lit a candle. Saying nothing, he illuminated the pierced feet of Christ, then the side, then one hand, and then the other. Lifting the candle, he shed light on the blood masked face and the crown of thorns. With a puff, he blew out the candle and dismissed the church." pg. 69

What a powerful illustration and remind that it isn't about US but about Him!!! May we be mirroring that. This book was a good reminder for anyone WHO it is all about.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Highly recommended

So interesting.

Worth the Read

Perhaps it's appropriate that I review a book entitled It's Not About Me on Labor Day weekend - a weekend that seems to celebrate the importance and power of the individual. According to the Department of Labor's website, Labor Day is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. The focus of this book could not be further from a celebration of individual workers!

I reviewed another Max Lucado book earlier this year and did not give it a favorable review, largely in part because of the writing style and content. But It's Not About Me is a much better read and seems to feel much more like what I've come to love about Lucado's writing. The thesis of the book is very simple (and it's found in the title): life is not about us but about Christ. He begins this book by reminding us that we are reflectors for Jesus and then spends the next 12 chapters exploring the different ways we are called to reflect Christ to others.

Perhaps the most convicting part of It's Not About Me for me was the chapter on success. Not necessarily because I'm such a "successful man", but more because of the analogy he draws to advertising agencies. These agencies, Lucado reminds us, exist for one purpose only: to make someone (or something else) known. Few people have heard of Foote, Cone, and Belding, but you'd be hard pressed to find someone who couldn't identify the slogan "When you care enough to send the very best." The advertising company's success became intertwined with Hallmark's, but the focus of the company was not on itself - rather, it was on Hallmark. And we play the same role in relation to existing for Christ - Lucado goes so far as to call us "Heaven's advertising agency."

Read these words, taken from Chapter 13 of the book:
. "From where does success come? God."
. "And why does he give success? For his reputation."
. "God lets you excel so you can make him known."
. "Why did God help you succeed? So you can make him known." (must be a pretty important concept since he repeats it almost verbatim!)
. "Why are you good at what you do? For God's sake."

That idea stands in stark contrast to the focus of Labor Day - a day celebrating the success of "us".

Included with the book is a small-group discussion/study guide, something I'm appreciating finding in books more and more - and because of that I'm going to give this book an extra ½ star, for a final rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Wonderful Book!!

This was a very eye opening book for me. I've always known that life is not about me or anyone else - it's all about God. He is the one who created us. He created us to display HIS glory. He saved us for HIS glory. Our purpose in life is to bring other to HIS glory. We were all born selfish. This book is the best reminder that the world absolutely was not meant to revolve around us. Max Lucado has broken this book into two parts - God-pondering & God promoting. They both flow together. When we spend our days & night pondering on the greatness of God, we are more than happy to promote the greatness of God. This is a truly wonderful book that I will read over & over. I totally recommend this book to all of my friends! Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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 Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"Its Not About Me" by Max Lucado

Published by Thomas Nelson Max Lucado is a great author and in this book he reveals a common disease we all suffer from, self-centeredness. All we think about is ourselves as if we were the center of the universe. Lucado reveals to use that God is the center of attention, not us. Lucado takes us chapter by chapter revealing different ways in which we should live to glorify God. Lucado shows that we do not belong to ourselves yet we live like that is the case. Lucado gives us a different picture and reasons why we exist for God alone. He does an excellent job revealing how everything is for the glory of God and how we were created for Him. In my opinion this book is a great book and i would recommend it to anyone who seeks to glorify God with their lives. You will learn insightful incites and grow closer to God as you seek to obey Him. Lucado uses the bible to explain the reasons for all his points and that's always good in a christian book! Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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 Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

IT IS ABOUT YOU

It is about you; it is about you and what you do with your life. Max Lucado's newest book "It's Not About Me" delves into the relationship we as believers can have with God. The book is divided into two parts. Part One explores the consistency of God and how He relates to us. Part two discusses our response to the unique relationship believers have with Him.
As I read the book what came to mind was how we cope with life's ups and downs. Max Lucado writes: "Catch God in a bad mood? Won't happen. Fear exhausting his grace? A sardine will swallow the Atlantic first. Think he's given up on you? Wrong. Did he not make a promise to you." Yet what is our response to life? It is not always consistent or just.
I have come to the conclusion that though the title states it is "not about" me it actually is about me, and you too. Our responses to change in life are in direct relation to our knowledge of who God is. Reading this book will give you a better appreciation of the power, glory and mercy of Father God and the tools to respond to life's changes with God focused and not "me" focused solutions. I recommend anyone going through changes in life to read this book
This book was provided to me free of charge courtesy of BookSneeze in exchange for my honest opinion.

It's not about me

It's Not About Me - Rescue From the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy By Max Lucado is among the most uplifting books that I have recently read. In true Lucado fashion, Max writes in an animated, easy to understand style that communicates biblical truths to the reader. His books bring bible stories and biblical truth to life in an inspirational way that speaks out to the reader. "Catch God in a bad mood? Won't happen. Fear exhausting his grace? A sardine will swallow the Atlantic first. Think he's given up on you?" ..... Lucado's use of colorful language and his conversational tone, make it so that biblical truths are memorable and meaningful to the average modern reader. You need not be a theologen, educated in an expensive seminary or college to understand Max Lucado's books.




This inspirational book will be certain to leave the reader with a lasting impression. In today's self centered society, without offense Max Lucado illustrates the importance of living life based on biblical principles. After reading this book, and really meditating on the biblical truths communicated via Max Lucado, one can feel a renewed sense of embpowerment to live a selfless life style. Max makes use of personal anecdotes as well as bible stories to illiustrate the importance of depending on God rather than on the material things of this world. If you are a theologen, looking for an apologetic defense on the purpose of depending on God then this book isn't for you. But, if on the other hand you are simply looking for bible based motivation and a relief in a world that takes pride in materialism, selfish ambition and competition, then this book is perfect. As a blogger for booksneeze, I receive books from Thomas Nelson publishers in exchange for writing an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.