Book 10 of 50: He Chose the Nails by Max Lucado

Book description:

"The wood. The thorns. The nails. Christ's sacrifice has defined the very essence of mankind's faith for the past 2000 years. And now, Max Lucado invites you to examine the cross, contemplate its purpose, and celebrate its significance with He Chose the Nails. With his warm, caring style, Max examines the symbols surrounding Christ's crucifixion, revealing the claims of the cross and asserting that if they are true, then Christianity itself is true. The supporting evidence either makes the cross the single biggest hoax of all time, or the hope of all humanity."

My description:
Ok, so the first Max Lucado book I read, When God Whispers Your Name, didn't quite live up the Max Lucado reputation.  I mean, it was about Jesus, and it was inspirational, but ... it just wasn't what I thought it would be.

So I thought I would give him another chance.

I really liked how this book took a deeper look at the various parts of the crucifixion.  There's a lot that can be missed when the small details are ignored.

But... I don't really know where he got these things.  He writes very eloquently and smoothly and uses Bible verses throughout, but I still felt that I was reading his interpretation of it all.  And what else is a book, even one about the Bible, except the author's interpretation?  So maybe it doesn't mean anything. I was just very skeptical and hesitant to accept it all as God's truth.  Someone else could look at these details and see some other symbolism.

It just wasn't my kind of book.

I didn't feel challenged.

And nothing really stood out to me.  Nothing stuck with me.  As I write this I barely remember the book.

So there ya go.

If you have a different opinion of this book, please let me know.  Maybe I need to give it a second look...

Book 9 of 50: When God Whispers Your Name by Max Lucado

Time for another book review.  Still trying to catch up :)

Available for Purchase Here

I was given this book, along with many others, by a friend.  I had just recently finished the Inkheart series on my Kindle and was looking for something to read on paper.  I have never read a Max Lucado book but I know he is famous for his Christian writing and is possibly the most famous inspirational author in America.  So I thought I would give it a try. 

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Here's the book description: "Do you find it hard to believe that the One who made everything keeps your name on His heart and on His lips? Did you realize that your name is written on the hand of God (Is. 49:16)? Perhaps you've never seen your name honored. And you can't remember when you heard it spoken with kindness. In this book, Lucado offers the inspiration to believe that God has already bought the ticket-with your name on it."

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Here are some of my favorite quotes:

"We treat others as we perceive God is treating us."

"Forgiveness is not saying the one who hurt you was right. Forgiveness is stating that God is fair and he will do what is right."

And a very long quote that is totally worth reading!

I choose love...No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness.  I choose love.  Today I will love God and what God loves.

I choose joy...I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance.  I will refuse the temptation to be cynical - the tool of the lazy thinker.  I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God.  I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I choose peace...I will live forgiven.  I will forgive so that I may live.

I choose patience...I will overlook the inconveniences of the world.  Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so.  Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray.  Instead of clinching by fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I choose kindness...I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone.  Kind to the rich, for they are afraid.  And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I choose goodness...I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one.  I will be overlooked before I will boast.  I will confess before I will accuse.  I choose goodness.

I choose faithfulness...Today I will keep my promises.  My debtors will not regret their trust.  My associates will not question my word.  My wife will not question my love.  And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.

I choose gentleness...Nothing is won by force.  I choose to be gentle.  If I raise my voice may it be only in praise.  If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer.  If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I choose self-control...I am a spiritual being.  After this body is dead, my spirit will soar.  I refuse to let what will not, rule the eternal.  I choose self-control.  I will be drunk only by joy.  I will be impassioned only by my faith.  I will be influenced only by God.  I will be taught only by Christ.  I choose self-control.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  To these I commit my day.  If I succeed, I will give thanks.  If I fail, I will seek his grace.  And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest. 

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Ultimately, I did like the book, but it didn't really live up the Max Lucado hype.  Also, it wasn't a novel.  Each chapter was a short look at life and God.  I was expecting a story with characters and plot, so it was difficult to adjust.  It would make a great bathroom book...ya know, something to read while you're "dropping the kiddies off at the pool" (My college roommate said that once and I love it sooo much! LOL) because each section is meant to be read quickly. 

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K, thanks, bye.