Grace by Max Lucado

This is the first Max Lucado book I have read.  It was pretty good, but did not blow me away.  The topic of the book however, does blow me away when I stop to really think about it which makes me by default kind of love this book.

Lucado starts out the book pointing out how most of us settle for a wimpy definition of grace.  Like most overused words, this one has lost the power of it's true meaning.  He talks about that and tries to capture with words what God's grace is (it really is incomprehensible).

He then uses a lot of different stories from the Bible and some real life stories that convey what grace is. From Barabbas to Ruth to the Egyptians to current day stories and ultimately to the true, complete expression of grace-Jesus- grace has been shown since before creation and has been completed and perfected in God's gift of Jesus.  It was God's Plan A.  This book is a great reminder of the overwhelming power His grace and grace in general.  Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:

The Christian is a man (or woman) to whom something has happened. 

Grace comes after you.

Precious as it is to proclaim "Christ died for the world", even sweeter it is to whisper "Christ died for me."

There is no fine print.  A second shoe is not going to drop.  God's promise has no hidden language.  Let grace happen, for heaven's sake. No more performing for God, no more clamoring after God.  Of all the things you must earn in life, God's unending affection is not one of them.  You have it.  Stretch yourself out in the hammock of grace.  You can rest now.

To accept grace is to accept the vow to give it.

For grace is given not because we have done good works, but in order that we may be able to do them.

I do not at all understand the mystery of grace- only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us. 

It also includes a Reader's Guide that is pretty much a Bible study that goes along with each chapter.  The whole book was easy to read and I liked all the examples and parables he used throughout the book.  I haven't had a chance to do the Reader's Guide portion in the back yet, but am definitely looking forward to using that during my quiet times this month.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

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