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Dear Friend,
May I share a story that is very dear to my heart?
It's a story of hillbillies and simple folk, net casters and tax collectors. A story of a movement that exploded like a just-opened fire hydrant out of Jerusalem and spilled into the ends of the earth: into the streets of Paris, the districts of Rome, and the ports of Athens, Istanbul, Shanghai, and Buenos Aires. A story so mighty, controversial, head spinning, and life changing that two millennia later we wonder:
Might it happen again?
Heaven knows we hope so. These are devastating times: 1.75 billions people are desperately poor; one billion are hungry. Lonely hearts indwell our neighborhoods and attend our schools. In the midst of it all, here we stand: you, me, and our one-of-a-kind lives. We are given a choice ... an opportunity to make a big difference during a difficult time. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope?
Worth a try, don't you think?
- Max Lucado
One hundred percent of the author's royalties from Outlive Your Life products will benefit children and families through World Vision and other ministries of faith-based compassion.
Max Lucado, Minister of Writing and Preaching for the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, is the husband of Denalyn and father of Jenna, Andrea, and Sara. He is the author of multiple bestsellers and is America’s leading inspirational author. Visit his website at www.maxlucado.com.
Acknowledgments xiii
Finding Father Benjamin: A Fable xvii
1 Our Once-in-History Opportunity 1
2 Calling Mr. Pot Roast 9
3 Let God Unshell Youp 19
4 Don't Forget the Bread 31
5 Team Up 41
6 Open Your Door; Open Your Heart 51
7 See the Need; Touch the Hurt 63
8 Persecution: Prepare for It; Resist It 73
9 Do Good, Quietly 85
10 Stand Up for the Have-Nots 97
11 Remember Who Holds You 109
12 Blast a Few Walls 121
13 Don't Write Off Anyone 131
14 Stable the High Horse 141
15 Pray First; Pray Most 153
16 That's Jesus Playing That Fiddle 165
Discussion and Action Guide 175
Notes 209
Ginfinluno
Posted September 20, 2010
I've read several books about giving and helping others so I was hesitant at yet ANOTHER book about the same thing... but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed Outlive Your Life. Max talks often about how ordinary people are the ones who change the world. If I could pick a theme of the book it's one line from the first third, 'God does not call the qualified, he qualifies the called.' It sums up the book perfectly and it's equally as motivating.
I especially love that there is a study guide in the back of the book, which is perfect for small groups, Bible Studies, etc... I would have loved to have read this book with a group and then jointly picked a project at the end to put some action with the thoughts. I receommend this book to anyone.
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Max Lucado
Thomas Nelson Publishing
We are common folk. We sit in the bleachers, eat at diners, change diapers, and wear our favorite team's ball cap. Fan's don't wave when we pass. Servants don't scurry when we come home. Chauffeurs don't drive our cars; butlers don't open our doors or draw our baths. Doormen don't greet us, and security doesn't protect us. We are regular folk. And we wonder: does God use people like us. He did. God stampeded the first-century society with swaybacks, not thoroughbreds. Are you more dinghy than cruise ship? More stand-in than movie star? More blue jeans than blue blood? Congratulations. God changes the world with folks just like you.
This is the second Max Lucado book that I have read and I have to say that it is an incredible book. Lucado delves into a subject that, upon reflection, lay deep within the heart of every person: Living a life that matters. Moving effortlessly through the first few chapters of Acts, Lucado shows us how God used the very people that society discounted, as the catalyst to change the world. These men and women of God were nothing to the culture that they lived in: a tax collector, a prostitute, a bunch of fishermen -- yet they were pivotal in spreading the Gospel of Christ and shaping history.
I actually read this entire book in a day. Once you breach the first chapter, Max draws you in and points you toward challenge after challenge, daring you to deepen your relationship with Christ and, in so doing, broadening the ministry that He has placed you in. Don't misunderstand, you are eyeball-deep in a ministry whether you realize it or not. Your ministry is to be Christ to people around you - even when you can't stand to be around them. Max weaves personal anecdotes between scripture and stories of real-life people who simply trusted God to use them, and the incredible outcomes of that simple trust.
Lucado's unique writing style, mixed with his honest perspective on life, creates a book that encourages as it challenges, and uplifts as it subtly chastens. I found I had to ask myself several times why I knew what Lucado was saying, but I wasn't acting on it. Outlive Your Life is a call to all Christians to walk what we say we believe. To move like we say we do. To be what we say we are -- Followers of Christ.
I encourage everyone that wants to live their Christian life to the fullest to get this book, as well as Lucado's Fearless, and read them one after the other. You will walk away with a new understanding of God's will for you, I can promise you that.
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 Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.It has been a while since I have read any of Max Lucado's books besides those of his that were written when his daughters were still little, the only exception being his Devotional NCV Bible (which rocks).
Nevertheless, I was glad to see that he did not change his style much. Same great truths spelled out in simple words, but that simplicity only makes the point stronger instead of diminishing it. That is one of the reasons why I usually recommend Max Lucado's books to those, for whom English is not the native language, yet who wants to learn.
Besides being easy to read, Max has a gift from God to inspire people to action. You read and find yourself wanting to not simply read the book, but do what it talks about.
This particular book, Outlive Your Life, talks about the fact that while our life here is not all we've got and that the best is coming soon, we nonetheless should not abandon what we have been given in this life, but use it for the good of others. Everyone got something - don't just bury that one talent in the ground and wait for the Master to return so you can give His talent back to Him. NO! Use it here, use it now - for that's the reason you were given that talent in the first place.
It's a good book for both young adults who are just starting to wonder "What on earth am I doing here?" as well as older people who are looking for more purpose in their lives.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.joannacullen
Posted September 15, 2010
I've read a handful of Max Lucado's books and he's written countless others. While they are charming and often inspirational, even after reading only a fraction of his library, I find that I am tired of his style. It's certainly cute and humorous, and yes, it garners a few chuckles and presents the occasional thought-provoking concept, but it's pretty formulaic.
There'd been a rather significant amount of buzz surrounding the release of his latest book - Outlive Your Life - so I went into it hoping for something more than the usual fare. Unfortunately, that isn't what I found. Outlive Your Life is full of the same homespun stories aimed at making Bible characters relate-able to us in the 21st Century, and anecdotal stories about famous and semi-famous figures. Lucado tries to show us the importance of doing something with our lives - of making a real difference - but failed to inspire me with his stale prose and quirky storytelling.
Maybe Outlive Your Life will be a home run for extreme Lucado fans. If you don't mind a cookie cutter mold fit with a slightly different filling, then this is probably the book for you. But, if you were expecting something different from Lucado, this is not it. It's okay, Max...we know you mean well. Maybe next time?
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.PGardnerNZ
Posted September 15, 2010
Out Live Your Life by Max Lucado
Max Lucado takes us through the the first twelve chapters of the book of Acts and forces us to address issues around poverty and social justice. The very issues we find it so easy to tune out to and put on the back burner.
Using carefully crafted stories Lucado highlights where each of us can help. Especially pleasing was his acknowledgment that we ordinary people can sometimes do only ordinary and small things to help. My favorite quote from this book is:
As Chrysostom pointed out, "We do not hear, 'I was sick and you healed me,' or 'I was in prison and you liberated me.'" The works of mercy are simple deeds. And yet in these simple deeds, we serve Jesus.
In a review of this book Kyle Mcdanell says it is all social and no gospel and states:
Although I believe that Lucado understands the gospel, I believe he has dropped the ball on this one. Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make A Difference is a book, surveying the biblical book Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament, about why the church should seek to alleviate poverty and fight against injustice. Again, I believe that the church should seek to do such things, but in this book Lucado presents almost all social and no gospel. Little is said about the cross or resurrection. Little is said about belief in the works of Christ and repentance of our sins. If we hand someone a cup of cold water for any other motivation than to present the gospel and to show the love of Christ, then we have missed the point.
I wholeheartedly agree AND disagree with Mcdanell on this.
I agree that our motivation should be to present the gospel and show the love of Christ.
But I disagree that Lucado doesn't say this himself. In actual fact the book's 3rd chapter, entitled Don't Forget the Bread is all about this and Lucado says in it (referring to Peter's sermon at Pentecost):
Peter would eventually speak about poverty. The church would soon address the issues of widows, disease, and bigotry. But not yet. The first order of the church's first sermon was this: pardon for all our sins. Peter delivered the bread.
Personally I think this is one of Lucado's best books for quite some time.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze[tags]BookSneeze[/tags].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."
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Stevenkat27
Posted September 14, 2010
We are common folk.
We sit in the bleachers, eat at diners, change diapers, and wear our favorite team's ball cap. Fan's don't wave when we pass. Servants don't scurry when we come home. Chauffer's don't drive our cars; butlers don't open our doors or draw our baths. Doormen don't greet us, and security doesn't protect us. We are regular folk.
And we wonder: Does God use people like us?
He did. God stampeded the first-century society with swaybacks, not thoroughbreds. Before Jesus came along, the disciples were loading trucks, coaching soccer, and selling Slupee drinks at the convenience store.
Their collars were blue, and their hands were calloused, and there is no evidence that Jesus chose them because they were smarter or nicer than the guy next door. The one thing they had going for them was a willingness to take a step when Jesus said, "Follow me."
Are you more dinghy than cruise ship? More stand-in than movie star? More blue jeans than blue blood? Congratulations. God changes the world with folks like you. (Excerpt back cover).
In the book, Out Live Your Life by Max Lucado, he takes each of us through the first couple of chapters in Acts to show us how our lives are very similar to the people in each of the chapters and the differences they made and how we can do the very same things. We simply need one thing. A willingness to do it. That's it. We need more yes's and a lot less no's!
Max in his usual way of writing directly from the heart and as a close, personal friend touches your heart and shows you the different ways we can all begin to take care of people around us. He provides perfect examples of everyday people who made less than $1.25 a day and they too are changing lives. So what's our excuse? Find out by reading Max's latest book!
I received this book, compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review and believe every single person living today should read this book.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.humbled66
Posted January 4, 2012
As with all of Mr. Lucado's books it has good spirtual insite and give you lots to ponder on about your life and how you choose to live it. He grabs you by the heart and makes you think about what you have contributed to it and what you have done for others. It is a real eye opener.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.jaaneyb53
Posted December 29, 2011
This is an engaging and fast paced study that really gets you thinking.
Very enjoyable.
Anonymous
Posted December 12, 2011
I'm not a big read, but in October, I read Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado after recommendations from several friends. This is a good read but not exactly what I expected.To help propel my reading, I challenged my husband. ¿I¿ll finish my book before you finish yours! Ready¿GO!¿ It helped, more than a little!
The flow of the book parallels the book of Acts in its flow and sequence. The author takes different passages and uses them to set up the different chapters in the book. To me, it felt more like short snippets than it did one book that flowed well from chapter to chapter. All of Lucado¿s points were great, but it just wasn¿t my favorite read.
The author had a lot of good things to say, and I was challenged throughout the book. However, I expected to walk away with a big broad idea of how to outlive my life through my legacy. Instead, I walked away with a number of little things I can do, day by day, to make an impact.
Summary: In "Outlive Your Life," Max Lucado attempts to show the reader how he or she can make a difference in this world - through prayer, through love, through small actions, through breaking down walls and seeing people rather than judging people. He ends with the passage about seeing Jesus in other - helping Jesus when we feed the hungry and take care of the sick.
Review: Unfortunately, I did not get much out of this book. As much as I love Max Lucado, this book came across as another "missionary" book - that is, be a missionary by recognizing and meeting the needs of those around you. Witness through action. Show Christ's love to others. That's all right and true, but its also been written about before and really didn't leave me with anything I didn't already know, nor did it really give me any solid way to make a difference.
I'm also left wondering about the other side of making a difference. What about preaching? What about standing up for what you believe in? What about fighting for the moral truths we find in the Bible? I feel like there is so much more that Lucado could have covered in this book.
On the bright side, it's a very fast, very easy read.
Rating: 2/5 Stars
* Disclaimer: I received this book for free from in exchange for my honest review of it.
sydda
Posted March 21, 2011
Max Lucado's lastest offering is beautifully written, easy to read, and will change your life. By sharing personal stories and Biblical commentary, he shares about the importance of making the most out of the life you've been given. Lucado lays out Acts 1 - 12 as a blueprint and launching pad for what your calling is and how to walk it out. He offered some sobering statistics about current injustice in our world, from poverty to hunger to human traffiking. And he asked, "What will you do about it?". None of us can do everything to help everyone, but all of us can do something to help someone.
I loved thie book and his message because it was challenging and thought provoking. Not many books out there today actually call you to something. I thought he outlined the problem and gave practical solutions on what to do next. It can be overwhelming sometimes thinking about everything that is wrong in the world, but I loved how Max Lucado made the problem approachable, and more real, by bringing it to our doorstep and giving it a face. Not all of us are called to a third world country, or have the money to give to solve problems, but we all have a neighbor we can invite over and show hospitality to, and we all meet people everyday who just need to see Jesus' love in us.
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.
Ael818
Posted February 27, 2011
Come "press your ear against the pages" of the book of Acts and hear them come alive in three-dimensional surround sound. Listen as the early church puts feet to the gospel and leaves a distinct set of footprints for us to follow. Hear the "hillbillies, "simple folk" and "net casters" declare the Truth to a society in desperate need of it. Experience all of this (and a little more) in Max Lucado's Outlive Your Life.
Using the book of Acts as a backdrop, Lucado challenges believers to take an eyes-wide-open look at their response to the suffering in the world. At a cursory glance, it might appear that Lucado's goal is to merely call us to social action. When he points to the 175 billion poor, the 1 billion hungry or the 2 million exploited children in the world, it's easy to conclude that he just wants us to do something about it.
Upon deeper inspection, it's more than clear that what he's really encouraging is that we allow the love of Jesus to actively flow through us, causing us to extend our hands further to those who need Him. It's a reminder that the early church, full of average Joes, started a revolution that still resonates today, and asks how we, the average Joes of the contemporary church, plan to get off our back-sides and do the same.
As with any other Lucado book I've read, this one was teeming with truth, cleverly written and easy to read. It was impossible to walk away from it without experiencing the strong conviction of the Holy Spirit and asking myself if I'm doing enough. The book was relevant and insightful, and the final chapter on prayer (which I wish would have come sooner in the book) is one I'll be coming back to over and over again. I highly recommend the book and its premise that we have everything we need to alter the course of human suffering and the responsibility to do just that.
I reviewed this book as a member of Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze blogger review program.
6310531
Posted February 25, 2011
there were pages after pages of praises for this book, then another 2-3 pages of lists of other books by same author then none at all for actual content of the book. credits i read and appreciate better from customers and fellow readers, not from other authors and editors. but i really need to read a bit of what they're talking about to actually get myself hooked enough to want to buy the book.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.It is horrifyingly easy to insulate ourselves from the problems of those around us, and even easier to insulate ourselves from the global problems of poverty, hunger, disease. The early Church members did not insulate themselves; they cared for the sick, the hungry, the widowed, orphaned and elderly......and so should we. This message has been echoed by the Saints throughout the ages- St John Chrysostom said that for us to hoard what we have instead of sharing with those in need is as bad as stealing from those in dire need. Max Lucado has written this book as a call to action, not just to sentiment. God wants passion and fervour, not experience and qualifications. God wants us to care about those in need , and then to do something about it. During the Second World War, a young Briton named Nicholas Winton went to Prague to try to save Jewish children. He found British families willing to help and worked hard to raise funds, taking enormous personal risks to get Jewish children safely to Britain. As a result of his courage and determination, some 7000 descendants of those children live on.. .... he was simply an ordinary man who felt passionately about a cause and acted upon it, and made such a difference to so many lives! The Protestant theology of atonement does not sit within Orthodox theology, but the call to action must certainly does, and I found this book valuable indeed. It has been read several times already, and repays prayerful study. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.You go to work, take care of things around your house, play with the kids. You consider your life to be simple, ordinary even. You feel like you want to make a difference, but you are just one ordinary person. Do you really have the power to impact people in a big way?
Most of us have felt small and inconsequential at some point in our lives. If only we were famous or rich, then we would really have the chance to influence and impact people's lives, right?
But what if you could make a difference? You. Just as you are. Without an endless bank account or fans on every corner. This is exactly what Max Lucado talks about in his book "Outlive Your Life."
From the moment I picked up this book, I was completely sucked in. The easy reading style of Lucado combined with the messages of hope and motivation made this a really enjoyable read. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to make a lasting impact on the world around them.
If you take anything from reading this book I think it will be this:
"None of us can help everyone. But all of us can help someone." -Max Lucado, "Outlive Your Life."
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.
MarthaTwain
Posted January 29, 2011
"Outlive Your Life" - You Were Made to Make a Difference.
This book is basically a guide to how a modern Christian should live their life. Max Lucado's writing style never ceases to amaze me and consistently sparks my interest.
Aimed at people who are not living their lives to their full potential, this book gives great advice on essentially how to outlive your life, hence the title.
As a way of informing us of the different things we can do to help others and do all the things that christians should be doing, this book is very motivational and really makes you think, "what can I do to fully reach my goals in living a satisfying Christian life?"
I would recommend this book to all Christians, because it is definitely going to give you a fresh perspective on living your life to the fullest!
I got this book for free from book sneeze . Com and was required to write a review.
The opinions I expressed are my own, and only formed after reading the book in it's entirety.
vicki13
Posted January 21, 2011
I downloaded a free sample as I do with all books before I purchase.
Now we all know Lucado is one of the best...but the 29 pages that downloaded were chock full of everyone saying how awesome the book is to them. Not one word of one chapter for me to get intrigued enough to push the buy button on my nook. Come on now! Someone needs to eval what is a free download and make sure there is adequate info to assist readers to buy.
Thats all Im saying
Anonymous
Posted January 13, 2011
My second book I received along with this one to review was Outlive your Life also by Max Lucado. Oh my word this book was amazing. IT is such a refreshing perspective on how we each have the ability to make a difference. Lucado points out how we are so uniquely designed that no one can fulfil what God has chosen for us to do. We have been given a talent to use in such a powerful way.
I love the perspective of how Jesus chose His twelve deciples and they were just common people like you and I but because they chose to follow Jesus they made a huge difference in the world. I think that puts such perspective on how God can use us as instruments for Him and we can have an impact. We just have a choice. I love this book and am definitely inspired and think I may even re-read it! It is that good!
ElizabethSD
Posted January 12, 2011
Outlive Your Life is a must read for any Bible study group or Christian based book club. It opens yuor mind to the book of Acts and how you can use the scriptures to relate to your own life. Max Lucado, in his easy, funny way tends to relate to everyone and understand where we all are coming from in our spirituality. I never feel like I'm not good enough when I read Max Lucado books and this book did not disappoint in this way.
This book is an easy read, I read it while waiting for my kids after school. It's not challenging, but it is so uplifting. I had recently read Radical before this book so I really wanted something a little more "in your face" but for a Christian who is looking for a good take on Acts and advice about living your life the way you were intended to, this book is it. I am always impressed with Max Lucado.
anathica
Posted January 7, 2011
Where do I start? I really, really, really (did I mention really?) enjoyed this book! So bear with me, because this is going to be a fairly lengthy and detailed review. While I believe this is only book I've read by this author, it's quality writing. Often, an author who has written that much will start to fizzle by this point (over 25 years). But this book was really good. He incorporates several real life stories to illustrate his points, and he does so very well. The stories chosen for this book were touching, and amazing examples of what your average everyday Joe can do. I found a lot of points in this book to be very true, for instance, in Chapter 9: Do Good, Quietly, the author reminds Christians to do their good deeds without shouting about them. Don't do good deeds expecting to be noticed. Don't do good deeds expecting credit. He writes:
"Hypocrisy turns people away from God. When God-hungry souls walk into a congregation of wannabe superstars, what happens? When God seekers see singers strut like Las Vegas entertainers... when they hear the preacher--a man of slick words, dress and hair--play to the crowd and exclude God... when other attendees dress to be seen and make much to-do over their gifts and offerings... when people enter a church to see God yet can't see God because of the church, don't think for a second that God doesn't react. 'Be especially careful when you are trying to do good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be a good theater, but the God who made you won't be applauding.' (Matthew 6:1 MSG)" pg 92
How true that is. I speak from personal experience when I say that one thing that turns me away from the church, and God, the most is hypocrisy. People who only do good deeds when someone important (i.e. a pastor) is watching, people who neglect their families yet help the poor because they know others will see, people who go to church and make spectacles of themselves, thinking that others will approve of them more or accept them more for it. If you are truly Christian, you would know that the only approval you need is that of God's, and that you should strive to do good every chance you get, whether someone is watching or not. That is what being Christian is, being Christ-like, being like Christ. Christ did not care if anyone was looking, he did not care if people were okay with what he did. He knew what was right and he did it, no matter what.
Some of the truths presented in this book may be hard for some people to swallow, but they are presented in a gentle way. You can tell that the author is not being preachy, but what his says is very true.
This book is presented in a great format for bedtime readers. Each chapter ends with a verse and a prayer, so for those who like to read a chapter in bed before going to sleep, you will really like this. Although you might not be able to put this book down after just one chapter!
Disclosure of Material Connection: As a participant in the book review bloggers program, I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers. Reviewers are not required or encouraged to post a positive review. The opinions in this post are mine and mine alone. This disclosure required by the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Overview
Dear Friend,
May I share a story that is very dear to my heart?
It's a story of hillbillies and simple folk, net casters and tax collectors. A story of a movement that exploded like a just-opened fire hydrant out of Jerusalem and spilled into the ends of the earth: into the streets of Paris, the districts of Rome, and the ports of Athens, Istanbul, Shanghai, and Buenos Aires....