Max on Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions

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Max on Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions

3.9 of 5 stars 3.90 · rating details · 196 ratings · 68 reviews

We have questions. Child-like inquiries. And deep, heavy ones.

In more than twenty-five years of writing and ministry, Max Lucado has received thousands of such questions. They come in letters, e-mails, even on Dunkin Donuts napkins. In "Max on Life" he offers thoughtful answers to more than 170 of the most pressing questions on topics ranging from hope to hurt and from hom...more

Hardcover, 256 pages

Published April 19th 2011 by Thomas Nelson Publishers

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Dec 09, 2012 Bryon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Max Lucado
Thomas Nelson, Nashville, 2010
229 pages

Who is he? What is he? A writer? A pastor? Will the real Max Lucado please stand up?

In Max on Life, Writer Max Lucado merges seamlessly with Pastor Max Lucado. Lucado is most well-known as an author. His books have blessed multitudes around the world for decades. He has a way with words. Lucado is also a pastor. He has a way with people. His fans out number his critics by far because he speaks to the hearts of real people with words that move an...more

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Aug 01, 2012 Tales Untangled rated it 4 of 5 stars

Max on Life would be particularly helpful for an individual who does not have a strong personal faith or are new believers in Christ. It is a wonderful resource. My personal first source for answers would be to go directly to the scriptures and prayer, though Lucado will offer a different perspective and you must choose for yourself what you will believe.

Max on Life is divided into the following sections:

1) Hope: God, Grace, and "Why am I here?" - pages 1-36.
2) Hurt: Conflicts, Calamities, and "...more

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Dec 30, 2011 Elle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Max Lucado’s newest book breaks from the traditional format of all of his previous books. Lucado has selected 172 questions he has been asked over the years through letters, e-mails, church, and his radio show and broken them down into seven topics: Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Have/Have-not and Hereafter. The questions range in depth from simple questions of everyday life to deeper questions of Christianity.
This book is a great addition to any collection, Lucado has put together a book of quest...more

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Dec 22, 2011 Haelie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Do you have questions?

Questions about life? About God? About anything?

Well, though Max Lucado is only human just like the rest of us, he has a way of saying things. A way of explaining things in our everyday human terms. The man, as a writer and minister for over twenty-five years, has a vast amount of experience under his belt in deciphering the ways of this world and the ways of God.

Max is not perfect. He does not have all of the answers. He would be the first to tell you that.

However, becau...more

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Jul 06, 2011 Danielle rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: booksneeze

Max Lucado is one of those superstars in Christian culture. His books sell by the truckload, he’s often quoted in blogs, on Twitter, and on Christian radio, and he’s a sought-after author and speaker. I’m instantly suspect of anything or anyone so widely popular. Maybe I’m just a cynical old Reformed chick, but I’m naturally a little wary of big names.

Lucado breaks this book into categories:

Hope
Hurt
Help
Him/Her
Home
Haves/Have-Nots
Hereafter

Each section contains letters Max has received throu...more

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Jun 25, 2011 Vernie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Max Lucado is not only an inspirational writer, but also a Pastor. This book is a question and answer type. Well-organized into different sections pertaining to: HOPE,HURT,HELP,HIM/HER, HOME,HAVE/HAVE-NOTS AND HEREAFTER.

It is a compilation of sorts coming from people of all walks of life in the form of letters, emails,and phone calls, which questions directly to Max Lucado. His response is somewhat expected from a Pastor with years of experience---honest-to-goodness, simplicity and with biblical...more

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Jun 20, 2011 Bill Stegemueller rated it 5 of 5 stars

Max Lucado’s, “Max On Life, was a book that really fed my soul. It was extremely well written and very relevant. It’s a beautiful compilation of all the types of questions Max has received in his many years of ministry. Lucado has a way of answering each other them in a masterful way.

“Max on Life,” is not a book of pat answers, but rather it’s book that will deepen your faith in God. It’s a book that you can pick up and read at any place. It is divided into 7 major sections: (1) Hope (2) Hurt (3...more

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Jun 13, 2011 Nate LaClaire rated it 5 of 5 stars

“Should I trust the advice of my non-Christian parents?”
“If I’m not called to be a minister, can my life count for Christ?”
“How do I teach my children humility without harming their self-esteem?”
“How do I know if I’m in love?”

These, in a nutshell, are just a few of the 171 questions that pastor and best-selling author Max Lucado answers in his most recent book, Max On Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions. Unwaveringly using the Bible as foundation, Max provides answers to...more

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May 17, 2011 Holly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: booksneeze, christian, inspirational, non-fiction, read-in-2011

As a pastor, Max Lucado received a lot of questions. Difficult, the answer might change your life kind of questions. In his book, Max on Life, he attempts to answer 172 of the "tough questions" that Christians face these days. More than a few of them are the kind of questions that I'm sure you've pondered, but would never have the courage to ask a person of religious authority. Max doesn't promise to know all the answers, but he does direct each question to guidance in the scripture as well as u...more As a pastor, Max Lucado received a lot of questions. Difficult, the answer might change your life kind of questions. In his book, Max on Life, he attempts to answer 172 of the "tough questions" that Christians face these days. More than a few of them are the kind of questions that I'm sure you've pondered, but would never have the courage to ask a person of religious authority. Max doesn't promise to know all the answers, but he does direct each question to guidance in the scripture as well as using real life examples.

I enjoyed reading Max on Life. Max covers 7 categories of questions, including: Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have-Nots, and Hereafter. Whether you're a devout Christian, or you're not really sure what your place is in this world yet, Max on Life is the launching pad for the answers that you're seeking. Max answers questions such as:

I know the Bible says I'm forgiven. But my conscience says I'm not.
Is it okay for me to fire an unproductive worker? I'm a Christian, but I'm also a supervisor. How do I show love to a lazy employee?
If God cares for his people, why do Christians suffer persecution and violence?
What are we supposed to teach our children about sex?
Our family issue is money. How much should we spend, save and give?

Max on Life is a book to read once through, and then keep in your library for reference as you consult your Bible and other literature for more answers. There is a handy index that sorts the book by subject, so that you can always go back to those tough questions when they come up in your own life.

I liked that each of Max's question/answer pieces was roughly one page in length. They were easy to read and generally to the point. If you wanted, you could easily use this book as a daily devotional to pray on the tough subjects. Though I did appreciate the range and depth of the questions that Max answered in Max on Life, I do think that this book would be more meaningful to those who are already familiar with Max's ministry. I was not familiar with Max and his writing, so it took a bit of background history for me to learn why his answers were the way they were.

The last word: great Christian read answering some of life's tough questions while pointing to scripture for where you can find more guidance.

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.” (less)

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May 16, 2011 Belindachaplin rated it 4 of 5 stars

The book is something unique: Max has taken questions that he has received either from his readers or from members of his church in San Antonio, Texas. With collected wisdom from his 5 year stint as a missionary in Brazil, and his preaching, teaching and writing ministry of over 20 years, he answers each question in his inimical style. Ranging from questions on "Why am I here?" to sex and romance, he covers a wide-range of questions about life in general and Christian life in particular. Touchin...more

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May 04, 2011 Christine Smith rated it 4 of 5 stars

I just finished reading the newest book by Max Lucado, called Max On Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions and found it very interesting. Written from a pastor’s perspective, the book is an insider’s guide to common questions church members and friends ask their pastor. This book answers a total of 172 questions, divided by subject: Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have Nots, and Hereafter. The questions are often emotion filled, and Pastor Lucado answers with the wis...more

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Apr 28, 2011 Starr Griggs rated it 2 of 5 stars

Everyone has questions about life that they struggle with. It may have to deal with what to do when things don’t seem to work out the way that we think that they should, or how to deal with a pain or hurt that we never thought possible to survive. The questions could range anywhere between how to deal with people of the opposite sex to whether or not war is something God agrees with. These questions have all been asked by people who have had the opportunity to speak with Max Lucado, or questions...more Everyone has questions about life that they struggle with. It may have to deal with what to do when things don’t seem to work out the way that we think that they should, or how to deal with a pain or hurt that we never thought possible to survive. The questions could range anywhere between how to deal with people of the opposite sex to whether or not war is something God agrees with. These questions have all been asked by people who have had the opportunity to speak with Max Lucado, or questions that he has tried to answer in his sermons. He now presents them all together in one place, replying in a traditional Lucado fashion; honestly, compassionately and graciously.

The format of the books is simple; it presents the question and then the answer. While this makes it a little difficult to read straight through, it is easy to pick up and do daily readings with. Not everything is comforting, but really that’s just like life. God is our comforter but not everything that God does or allows is comfortable. I can’t say that every answer is the right answer, or that I agree with them all. But it is obvious that Lucado answered each with wisdom and scripture. Some of the answers gave me the impression that Lucado didn’t really know the correct answer, but he didn’t make anything up, he replaced his “I don’t know” with scripture.

Some of the questions and answers seemed to be asking the same thing; in these cases it would have been better to combine them instead of repeating the same thing. I think people when they were asking the questions, they weren’t really looking for advice but maybe some validation or clarity. Max on Life brings all these questions together showing that no one is really alone with their fears, doubts and confusion. Though I think the format was relatively simple and direct, it didn’t really hold my attention. There were moments when completing the book seemed difficult.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Booksneeze book bloggers program. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. (less)

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Apr 25, 2011 Josh Morgan rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review first appeared on my blog, Jacob's Café (jacobscafe.blogspot.com).

Back in December, I wrote a review of Max Lucado's latest (at that time book). I mentioned how refreshing that book was because Lucado presented conservative evangelical Christian ideas while emphasizing "liberal" social justice. It's a great case for those two to not be in opposition to one another.

Lucado is one of the few authors whose work I have known since early on my Christian life and who I still read and respec...more This review first appeared on my blog, Jacob's Café (jacobscafe.blogspot.com).

Back in December, I wrote a review of Max Lucado's latest (at that time book). I mentioned how refreshing that book was because Lucado presented conservative evangelical Christian ideas while emphasizing "liberal" social justice. It's a great case for those two to not be in opposition to one another.

Lucado is one of the few authors whose work I have known since early on my Christian life and who I still read and respect highly. I recently had the opportunity to read his newest (and man, does he have a long authorship credit!) book, Max on Life, providing answers to 172 common questions he has received over the years. These were culled from letters, emails, sermons, books, etc.

The result is the most theological work I've read of Lucado's. Usually his work feels more devotional and singly-focused, emphasizing the encouragement of the saints. And this is good stuff. Many of the questions he addresses, though, require more directly theological responses.

Readers of my blog and tweets know I have lobbed a few volleys against penal substitutionary atonement lately. Lucado advocates this atonement theory. However, he doesn't do so in the same condemning hellfire and brimstone fashion that many other big names do these days. His emphasis is more on the transcendent love of God that rescues us from everything. Rather than being against sin, he is for love and God. His presentation of some of these ideas helped me realize that my theological problems are at times more with the viciously vociferous advocates of some positions than the pure theology itself.

There are some gems of lines in this book. One of Lucado's strengths is clarity in his writing and purpose. If you're one who has a lot of questions and want a clear, concise answer, this is a great book. If you want more of Lucado's traditional writings that are more narrative in format, you may want to pass.

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.”(less)

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Apr 18, 2011 Karie Hall rated it 4 of 5 stars

If you’ve ever wished you could sit down and ask New York Times best -selling author Max Lucado some of life’s toughest questions, then this book is for you. Lucado responds to 172 questions, grouped into the categories of Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Have/Have-nots, and Hereafter. Each response includes biblical references for further reading and reflection.

A sampling of the questions includes:

What is the purpose of confession? Doesn’t God already know what I’ve done? Why does he need me to...more
If you’ve ever wished you could sit down and ask New York Times best -selling author Max Lucado some of life’s toughest questions, then this book is for you. Lucado responds to 172 questions, grouped into the categories of Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Have/Have-nots, and Hereafter. Each response includes biblical references for further reading and reflection.

A sampling of the questions includes:

What is the purpose of confession? Doesn’t God already know what I’ve done? Why does he need me to tell him? (#8)

My brother has been in a slump for weeks. He lost his job and, it seems, his motivation. What’s going on? (#49)
I dread going home at the end of the day. Our home is a combat zone. I don’t know what to do about it. I offer to go to counseling, but she refuses. Help! (# 104)

Is God willing to use anyone to change the world? Even people who have lived ungodly lives? (# 27)

I truly enjoyed discovering Max’s take on issues with which I have struggled myself. For example, in Question 16, a reader asks, “If God knew in advance that Jesus left Heaven for a time, Jesus would be reunited with Him, and that Jesus’ death would save humanity, It doesn’t really seem like a sacrifice to me. What did God give up?” I know that I have battled my own “reason” versus reality on this issue, and Max’s answer comes closer than I have ever been able to get in positing an answer. He suggests that our inability to know just what Jesus gave up (because we have never seen Heaven, we have never been eternal, we have never been sinless, and we have never given up a child to the bloody hands of an evil people) is evidence itself that He sacrificed more than our brains could ever hold.

With 170 entries, I believe this book could prove a vital addition to anyone’s daily-devotions as a half-year devotional book. Also it could serve well as a guide for counselors who face hard-to-answer questions on a daily basis. I strongly recommend this book for anyone with a voraciously inquisitive mind like Max’s.(less)

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Apr 18, 2011 Jolene rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Christians

Whether we admit it or not, we all have questions. There are situations that we don't understand and questions we lack definitive answers for. Those gray areas can be challenging to consider. What if we never find the answers we are searching for? Or worse... What if we can't live with the answers that we find? It takes courage to face the hard issues of life and kind wisdom from a friend can help us along the way. In Max On Life, Pastor Max Lucado responds with wisdom to all kinds of questions,...more Whether we admit it or not, we all have questions. There are situations that we don't understand and questions we lack definitive answers for. Those gray areas can be challenging to consider. What if we never find the answers we are searching for? Or worse... What if we can't live with the answers that we find? It takes courage to face the hard issues of life and kind wisdom from a friend can help us along the way. In Max On Life, Pastor Max Lucado responds with wisdom to all kinds of questions, including the hard ones. Lucado uses Scripture and poignant illustrations to guide the reader into a deeper understanding and fuller peace about who God is and how to relate to him. Lucado doesn't have answers for every situation in life, but he does point the reader to the One who holds all of the answers.

Max on Life is the fourth book I've read by Max Lucado and I always have the same impression when I read his books. Lucado's tone of writing is like have a conversation with a close friend. He is gentle with the reader, but firm about his beliefs. Overall, I feel that the doctrines/beliefs in Max on Life line up with the Bible. There were a few things here and there that I wasn't quite convinced about. I appreciated that almost every question and answer entry had Scripture in it. I find the use of Scripture highly important to the credibility of any devotional book. I used Max on Life to supplement my daily Bible readings. Most of the 172 entries are one page or less. Some are two. Each is short, yet powerful. The flexibility of the book lends itself to convenience. One can use it to supplement Bible reading, to fill a few moments of the day, or to read before going to bed.

The most wonderful thing about Max on Life is that I believe that someone could read this book and get saved. The book's layout is perfect. It starts off with some basic questions about God and Christianity, progresses into the message of salvation, and then addresses issues of the Christian life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from BookSneeze as part of their Blogger Review 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."(less)

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Apr 18, 2011 Tomi rated it 4 of 5 stars

We have questions. Child-like inquiries. And deep, heavy ones.
In more than twenty-five years of writing and ministry, Max Lucado has been the receiving line for thousands of such questions. The questions come in letters, e-mails, even on Dunkin Donuts napkins. In Max on Life he offers thoughtful answers to more than 150 of the most pressing questions on topics ranging from hope to hurt, from home to the hereafter.
Max writes about the role of prayer, the purpose of pain, and the reason for our ul...more

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Apr 18, 2011 Mike rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-in-2011

Have you ever considered the many questions we have in life? How about the doubts and insecurities each and every one of us have from time to time? These questions are just something to think about as you open Max Lucado's latest book entitled, "Max on Life." As Christians, when we asked God into our hearts, we thought that we had everything under control with our lives and that God would provide. That was true, however, we are human, and human nature does not allow us to us to completely unders...more

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Apr 18, 2011 Jamie rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is filled with questions Lucado has received over the years, on a number of broad topics, and him answering them. The topics included are Hope (God, Grace, and "Why am I here?"), Hurt (Conflicts, Calamaties, and "Why me?"), Help (Prayer, Scripture, and "Why church?"), Him/Her (Sex, Romance, and "Any chance of a second chance?"), Home (Diapers, Disagreements, and "Any hope for prodigals?"), Haves/Have-Nots (Work, Money, and "Where's the lifeline?"), and Hereafter (Cemeteries, Heaven, He...more This book is filled with questions Lucado has received over the years, on a number of broad topics, and him answering them. The topics included are Hope (God, Grace, and "Why am I here?"), Hurt (Conflicts, Calamaties, and "Why me?"), Help (Prayer, Scripture, and "Why church?"), Him/Her (Sex, Romance, and "Any chance of a second chance?"), Home (Diapers, Disagreements, and "Any hope for prodigals?"), Haves/Have-Nots (Work, Money, and "Where's the lifeline?"), and Hereafter (Cemeteries, Heaven, Hell, and "Who goes where?"). Each answer is about a page in length.

I thought Lucado's answers were incredible! I found myself saying 'Wow!' out loud numerous times and dog-earring many pages. He answers all questions while teaching Biblical truths, he is compassionate in his answers, and adds some humour too. A very apparent theme is hope. While he chastises sin, he always ends his answer with encouragement of God's love and the hope we have in Christ. I learned new ways to look at things and had many of my own questions answered. As well, some of my currently held beliefs were confirmed in his writing. I particularly liked his answers on prayer, as this is dear to me and I struggle with a consistent prayer life. But even the topics that don't pertain to my life were interesting to read and provided ideas on how to help others with these particular questions.

I did find a few answers that never got to the crux of the issue, but still, Lucado leads the reader to seek God, and in these cases he has generalized, out of necessity, to incorporate more than just a very specific question.

This is a fantastic book for people in all walks of life. Despite the heavy content, it is a quick easy read, and I know I will be reading it multiple times, and even going back to look at things here and there as they arise. The entire book is filled with encouragement and answers to many difficult but common questions.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from booksneeze.com to review.
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Apr 18, 2011 Theresa rated it 5 of 5 stars

In "Max on Life", Max Lucado gives us biblical based insights into the most asked questions he has received over the years. He tackles the difficult questions and provides practical, down-to-earth, to the point answers, liberally referenced to the scriptures, so you can easily find the relevant passages to help you dig deeper into the answers he provides.

Many of the 172 questions are ones that most Christians (and non-Christians alike) have probably asked, or wanted to ask. Organized into seven...more

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Apr 18, 2011 Chloe rated it 5 of 5 stars

These past few weeks I have been reading this book. It is Max Lucado's newest book and once again, a great read. I have always enjoyed Mr. Lucado's books and he has yet to disappoint. In Max on Life, Max Lucado answers 172 questions. These questions range from a variety of subjects. The books is broken up into 7 main chapters, Hope, Hurt, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have- Nots, Hereafter. Under each chapter you find answers to many questions that people have asked over the years. Max answers the questi...more

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Apr 18, 2011 Norma rated it 5 of 5 stars

All through life the way we learn is by asking questions. Max Lucado receives many such questions in the mail every day. Max on Life is a compilation of the most asked questions and his views on them from a Biblical standpoint.

This book is broken down into different sections. I like this very much because it makes it easier if you want to read about specific things.

The first section, Hope, is mainly basic questions about God. Such as does God love us, why are we here, does God have plans for us....more All through life the way we learn is by asking questions. Max Lucado receives many such questions in the mail every day. Max on Life is a compilation of the most asked questions and his views on them from a Biblical standpoint.

This book is broken down into different sections. I like this very much because it makes it easier if you want to read about specific things.

The first section, Hope, is mainly basic questions about God. Such as does God love us, why are we here, does God have plans for us. This is the perfect section for when you are fumbling with your faith. His reassurances are wonderful and uplifting.

The next section, Hurt, addresses questions about the tough times in life. Why am I sick? Why did I lose my job? Why are bad things happening to me? We all ask those questions at one point or another. Max gives us gentle reassurances that God has not abandoned us during those times.

The third section, Help, is about living a prayerful life. God can not help us unless we open up and ask him in. It is through prayer that we can ask God for his help or just talk to him to help ourselves.

Him/Her is all about relationships, love, and sex. How do we find the one that God put on this planet for us? How do we as a couple live our lives to fulfill God’s plans? Is premarital sex ok? These are very tough questions that Max lends a hand in answering.

Home contains the knowledge to help you deal with the everyday struggles you deal with in your home life. You know those petty little disagreements you get into with your spouse? The ones that you can’t believe you actually argued over? Well, Max’s wisdom and knowledge of the Bible can help you make it through the day.

Haves/Have-Nots deals with jobs and money. How do you deal with things when your financial burdens are more then you can handle? Through teachings of the Bible, you will get pointed in the right direction.

And finally, Hereafter deals with the age old question of where we go when we die. Max discusses the matters of Heaven and Hell. How do we get to Heaven? Is Hell truly eternal?

This is one of those great books that you want to keep around for reference. There is even a great index in the back if you are looking for something on a really specific topic.

In conjunction with the Wakela's World Disclosure Statement, I received a product in order to enable my review. No other compensation has been received. My statements are an honest account of my experience with the brand. The opinions stated here are mine alone.(less)

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Apr 18, 2011 Alycia Morales rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction, on-writing

Max on Life provides answers and insights to our most important questions about life. Topics covered range from our relationship with God to marriages, working with others to finances, and grieving to worrying to anger issues. Whether you are a mature Christian who's read the Bible cover-to-cover multiple times or you are a new believer, this book contains answers to frequently asked questions. Max Lucado's encouraging voice resounds throughout the book.

I am impressed with Mr. Lucado's answers t...more

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Apr 15, 2011 Sunflower rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-book-reviews, thomas-nelson-reviewed

"Max on Life" was a fun, topical based discussion, as Max Lucado shared letters he has received, with questions about our Heavenly Father and His Word. Broken up into seven sections:

* Hope
* Hurt
* Help
* Him/Her
* Home
* Haves/Have-Nots
* Hereafter

Max Lucado shares biblical based insights into most often asked questions, in a way that is clearly Max Lucado that we have all come to know and loved, but also questions that may have been nagging us in the back of our mind, and for some, maybe afra...more

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Aug 15, 2012 Chris Munson rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: religion

As I continue my spiritual journey, I'm looking for uplifting guidance around how to live my life, raise my son and treat those around me well. "Max on Life" is a different type of spiritual book. Max Lucado compiles 170+ questions that he has received and answered during his career as a pastor. There is almost no question that Max hasn't had to answer or deal with during his lifetime and he has separated these questions and answers into Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have-Nots, and Here...more

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Apr 18, 2011 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars

Max on Life is a compilation of questions sent to Max Lucado throughout his years of ministry and answers. The questions range from those wanting to grow spiritually to those questioning the Christian faith. The questions are organized into topical categories including hope, hurt, help, him/her, home, haves/have-nots, and the hereafter. Included in each response is a personal explanation with scripture references. The book also includes a topical index so that readers can search for a question a...more

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Apr 18, 2011 Digna rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

Vague at times, as if afraid to hurt his readers feeling or as if speaking to children who have not yet experienced real life struggles, Lucado falls short.

I was somewhat disappointed with Max On Life. I came across a few questions in the book that were pretty similar to current struggles I have in my own life. Instead of feeling like I learned something or was given comfort, I felt empty. I felt Max answered many questions in this book too vaguely when he could have given more in-depth advice....more Vague at times, as if afraid to hurt his readers feeling or as if speaking to children who have not yet experienced real life struggles, Lucado falls short.

I was somewhat disappointed with Max On Life. I came across a few questions in the book that were pretty similar to current struggles I have in my own life. Instead of feeling like I learned something or was given comfort, I felt empty. I felt Max answered many questions in this book too vaguely when he could have given more in-depth advice. It was almost like he was afraid to give the wrong answer, as if someone might get upset with him. I kept telling myself "well lets see maybe the next question he answers will provide more insight or the next." Don't get me wrong, I like Lucado and I have a full belief in God, I just feel he could have done better. One example is a question on pornography, which Lucado answers "Just because a women dresses to lure, you don't have to look." OK, I don't know what women dressing provocatively have to do with pornography but most women who dress like his do it either because of poor self esteem and wanting to feel attractive or they had no one to teach them how to dress, plain and simple. Also he states "you are stealing glances at a woman who does not belong to you." Sorry Lucado but last time I checked my book I don't believe any woman belongs to any man, not even if they are married. What I learned on this page is that apparently Lucado thinks woman are property. Another question "My anxiety is affecting my health, family and work." Who do I turn to? Lucado answers "share your fears with others." Sorry but sharing your feelings with others does not help anxiety if it is keeping you from living your life. How about suggesting they get help from a professional? Lucado sounds like he just stepped out of a bubble he has been living in for the last 50 years with that answer.

I am feeling bad giving this book a bad review, however what can I do, these are my feelings. What a shame. These people have trusted Lucado to provide insight and comfort in his answers to their questions. Whether regarding their life problems or their relationships with God. I just feel Lucado let them down. He needs to give more from his heart and provide more real life insight, even if it hurts some people. At times he seems to not even stick with the actual question at hand, almost like he lost his train of thought and never went back to correct himself. The book was not a total waste as I did find some answers. I just wished he would not have used his wife and daughter in so many examples which at times did not even make a good point to the question in reference. I think this is a book that some may find helpful if their life questions and situations are not so bad. If you feel at the end of your rope forget reading Max On Life, you will only be disappointed by his opened ended replies.(less)

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Apr 18, 2011 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction, motivational, religion, review-books

Max on Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions is written by pastor and author Max Lucado. With chapter headings like Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have-Nots, and Here-After, the author answers some of the most common questions asked about God and Christianity. Addressing everything from forgiveness to angels to sex to baptism, Lucado gives biblical answers to our pressing questions. Scriptural references are given for most answers and there is a topical index and a...more Max on Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions is written by pastor and author Max Lucado. With chapter headings like Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have-Nots, and Here-After, the author answers some of the most common questions asked about God and Christianity. Addressing everything from forgiveness to angels to sex to baptism, Lucado gives biblical answers to our pressing questions. Scriptural references are given for most answers and there is a topical index and a scriptural index in the back of the book.

I’d never read anything by this author so I wasn’t sure where he stands on some topics. I had an uneasy few minutes when I read the question about how to be saved and he wrote that according to John 3:16, we only have to believe and we will be saved. Without getting into too much doctrine, I believe that the Bible calls for more than that for salvation, so I was concerned about how Lucado may interpret other passages in the Bible. However, later in the book, in answer to a question about baptism, he points out that it is indeed a requirement for Christians and that every conversion in the New Testament culminates in a baptism.

I enjoyed Lucado’s writing style and sense of humor. Life isn’t all fun and games, but it’s easier to receive a message if there is laughter involved. It’s like the spoonful of sugar. I believe God wants us to enjoy the life he has given us and humor and laughter are part of that.

My favorite quotes from the book:

On aging: "Getting old is inevitable. But are you going to hobble and groan your way to the grave or race your rickety old wheelchair downhill to your funeral? We're all going to end up the same way, but we can have fun getting there!"

On hope: "If you accomplish a possible dream, then you get all the glory. But if you accomplish an impossible dream, then God gets all the glory."

On denominations: "We are different. But if we're in the same car, being driven by the same Father, headed toward the same place, can we not accept one another?"

On fighting in the church: "If love covers a multitude of sins, can it not cover a multitude of opinions?"

On balance: "When it comes to kids and family, it is a lot easier to make money than to make up for lost time."

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.
(less)

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Apr 18, 2011 Manda rated it 5 of 5 stars

What proof do we have that the resurrection really happened? Do people who have never heard of God get to go to heaven? Why do bad things happen to good people? How can you teach a child humility without destroying his self-esteem? And what's really permissible in the Christian marriage bed?

These are just some of the 172 questions about religion and life in general that Max Lucado attempts to answer in this book. The book is presented in Q & A format, and has been divided into sections. Ther...more

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Dec 22, 2011 Brenten Gilbert rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: faith, non-fiction, reviews-booksneeze

so, it seems to me that this was something of a compilation of minor publications that Lucado may have released at some point… if nothing else, it’s the collected answers to the numerous questions he’s received over the years as a pastor and writer… it’s not exactly a reference manual and it’s not terribly easy to read cover to cover, but there are some interesting questions and answers in this motivational piece of work ranging from eternal security to suicide, from money on earth to treasures...more

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Apr 16, 2011 Sally rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-non-fiction, thomas-nelson-free-for-review

Max Lucado has written a lot of books in 25 years. During that time he's also served a church in San Antonio, Texas. So it stands to reason that during that time he's been asked many questions by readers and parishioners on a variety of topics. Here are the answers to some of the more frequently asked questions. In online terms, this book is the Max Lucado FAQ.

The questions are divided into seven sections the titles of which, interestingly, all begin with the letter H. We have 'Hope,' 'Hurt,' 'H...more Max Lucado has written a lot of books in 25 years. During that time he's also served a church in San Antonio, Texas. So it stands to reason that during that time he's been asked many questions by readers and parishioners on a variety of topics. Here are the answers to some of the more frequently asked questions. In online terms, this book is the Max Lucado FAQ.

The questions are divided into seven sections the titles of which, interestingly, all begin with the letter H. We have 'Hope,' 'Hurt,' 'Help,' 'Him/Her,' 'Home,' 'Haves/Have-Nots,' and 'Hereafter.' Each section begins with a handwritten response to someone from Max. Each question and answer covers one or two pages at most. This is a book you can read in intervals, without wondering where the end of the chapter comes. Only have a couple of minutes? You can read a Q and A without feeling guilty for not reading more. Bible references support each answer Max provides, so the reader can check his response. We also learn little snippets of Max's life, such as when he chose to run away from home at the age of seven (question 2, page 4).

This is not just a book to be read and put aside. At the back is a Topical Index. For example, if you have a question on temper you can look it up. (Page 45, in case you're wondering.)

Having previously read a couple of books by Max Lucado, some of his words were familiar to me. And, indeed, Lucado states in his introduction that "some of these answers appeared initially in earlier books." But the reader will also find material that is new to them. For me, the section on children dying young was an eye-opener that made sense. Why are good people or children taken away from us? The answer, Max writes, is found in Isaiah 57:1-2. God has saved them from a particular evil they might well have faced later in life. What kind of evil? We don't know, but God does.

That's what I like about this book. It makes sense. How can all religions lead to God and heaven when they're different? That's like saying all roads lead to London, England. The road outside my window doesn't lead to London. It goes toward Buffalo, New York. How about the fact our dollar bills don't say, "In money we trust?" It's because our founding fathers didn't and even the United States Treasury Department doesn't believe that. Max's answers will leave you saying, "I get it. I understand."

Finally, I leave you with an example of Max's humor. "Nobody likes change… except babies. They cry for a change."

Well, it appealed to me anyway.(less)

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About Max Lucado

Max Lucado has touched millions with his signature storytelling writing style. Awards and accolades follow Max with each book he writes. Max is the first author to win the Gold Medallion Christian Book of the Year three times—1999 for Just Like Jesus, 1997 for In the Grip of Grace and 1995 for When God Whispers Your Name. In 2005, Reader’s Digest dubbed him “America’s Best Preacher.” In addition,...more Max Lucado has touched millions with his signature storytelling writing style. Awards and accolades follow Max with each book he writes. Max is the first author to win the Gold Medallion Christian Book of the Year three times—1999 for Just Like Jesus, 1997 for In the Grip of Grace and 1995 for When God Whispers Your Name. In 2005, Reader’s Digest dubbed him “America’s Best Preacher.” In addition, he has been an ECPA Gold Medallion finalist with more titles than any other author in the industry.

In 1994, he became the only author to have 11 of his twelve books in print simultaneously appear on paperback, hardcover and children's CBA bestseller lists. Lucado set a new industry record by concurrently placing nine different Word Publishing titles on the CBA Hardcover Bestseller List in both March and April 1997. Max Lucado is a fixture on the national bestseller lists – a Max Lucado title has appeared on the CBA hardcover bestseller list every month for the past dozen years. He has appeared on the Publishers Weekly, USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists. He has won eight ECPA Gold Medallion awards.

In addition to his nonfiction books, Lucado has authored several award-winning children's titles including, Just In Case You Ever Wonder, The Crippled Lamb, Alabaster's Song and the award-winning You Are Special. Max is also the author of Hermie: A Common Caterpillar, and the Max Lucado’s Hermie and Friends collection of books and DVD’s are quickly becoming a fixture on bestseller lists. He also served as the general editor for the best-selling Lucado Study Bible and God's Inspirational Promise Book.

In the Fall of 2006, he released Facing Your Giants, followed by Every Day Deserves a Chance in April of the 2007.

For over twenty years, Max has served as the Senior Pastor of the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. But he says his greatest accomplishment is finding a one-in-a-million wife in Denalyn and having three unbelievable daughters: Jenna, Andrea, and Sara.(less)

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Books by Max Lucado

In the Grip of Grace: You Can't Fall Beyond His Love

Traveling Light: Releasing the Burdens You Were Never Intended to Bear

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“We see a hearse; we think sorrow. We see a grave; we think despair. We hear of a death; we think of a loss. Not so in heaven. When heaven sees a breathless body, it sees the vacated cocoon & the liberated butterfly.” — 43 people liked it

“When grace moves in... guilt moves out” — 38 people liked it

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