"GLORY DAYS..."

How timely is this title! Declaration of "Glory Days"

..."These days are Glory Days. My past is past, my future is bright,God’s promises are true and His Word is sure. With God as my helper,I will be all He wants me to be,do all He wants me to do,and receive all He wants me to receive. These days are Glory Days."

"GLORY DAYS"

"Glory Days ... " by Max Lucado, is simply a glorious rendition of Joshua with lessons we can learn through another of Max Lucado's finest, not to be missed books, especially if you're in the midst of a battle or trial, in need of some encouragement and the strength to encounter your vision of the Promised Land that is yours for the taking of really, actually "...Living Your Promised Land Now." The contrast to the immigrants that first came to America seeking entering into a bright, new beginning is such a wonderful insight to how we too might seek our new beginning in Christ and God's Promises. 

I just love the down to earth writings of Max Lucado, yet somehow this one is still filled with so much GLORY! It is sadly true that "Life has a way of taking the life out of us" so that "often we go through situations where the challenge seems so much greater than our strength" however Max has a way of teaching and retelling the story of Joshua in this new release of "Glory Days" with lessons that are still true for us today, where we can find hope and inspiration from Joshua, to move us from whatever our "wilderness situation" or wanderings may be into a new mindset of victory toward our own Promised Land. Max has a special gift of writing that makes stories in the Bible come alive as he relates Joshua to our own lives in a wonderful story-like fashion as if you can hear him actually telling you this and opening your eyes to grasping the truths so you can live this faith and believe the promises that your best days - our "glory" days - are still ahead of us.

After reading each of his 16 chapters of "Glory Days" that parallels with chapters from Joshua in the Bible, you will have a new, victorious mindset of "God Fighting for You" and giving you a new vision for your life where you can move "from a wilderness existence into a promised inheritance". And if you follow and do the *added bonus* included, you will be better equipped to deal with "Life" - your Christian life - following God's promises for every step and "Living your Promised Land Now" as more than a conqueror. The chapter that stood out the most to me, for me personally, was "Voices, Choices, and Consequences" wisely followed by "Pray Audacious Prayers" which I did and will continue to do, as I lean on God to fight my battles, learning this truth: that I (like those in Canaan with Joshua) not fight for victory rather from victory, the one Christ has already won and I cling to believing and receiving. "Heeding God's Word is more critical than fighting God's war." I do want the Promised Land life and desire the fullness of "Glory Days" ... I long to experience Canaan ("a life defined by grace, refined by challenge and aligned with a heavenly call") to the fullest, which I learned reading this (as if I did not know or hear this before) requires obedience to God's commands. As Max writes: "In God's plan, in God's land, we win more than we lose, forgive as quickly as we are offended and give as abundantly as we receive." Obedience leads to blessings and favor. "Security comes as we put God's precepts to practice. We're only as strong as our obedience." I need all of the benefits of obedience. Since I know I am a child of God's, I need to choose obedience since I am indwelt by His Holy Spirit, I am equipped and empowered for an eternal assignment, not an easy life but one that is blessed; hearing the right voice, making the best choice, enjoying blessing upon blessing.

"Obedience, " wrote C.S. Lewis in "Yours, Jack: Spiritual Direction from C.S. Lewis", "is the key to all doors."

Thankful to know  it's the key for me and I do believe after reading "Glory Days" that I will have a "Crossing Over" moment or moments soon, because I now see the "potential of a Promised Land life" better and I will break forth from my many years of "wilderness wanderings" and "dry desert days" into fully experiencing more of God and His promises. I highly recommend this book as a small group study or individually. I was not at all surprised how much I loved and learned once again from Max Lucado, knowing that the truths in "Glory Days" is one book I will refer back to again and again to be reminded with God's help "I can ..." and even a not so favorite book in the Bible - like "Joshua" - due to its bloody battles and violence, can reveal how I will better embrace God's grace through times like these.

The website for this book (glory days book (dot) com) is filled with many other bonuses as well as through Faith Gateway (a free 64 page - ebook as a companion book to the "Glory Days" of 40 Promises for everyday battles - it's great and just as worthwhile as this book)! My favorite part is the Study Guide!

***BIG BONUS included!***

I just LOVE the STUDY GUIDE

included {actually just called} "Questions for Reflection" by David Drury broken into 3 categories Take a look at the intro to the Study Guide:

"YOUR WILDERNESS questions come from the struggling seasons of life, born of waiting, disappointment, discouragement, or heartache. For the Hebrews it was a season of wandering for forty years in the desert. Your wilderness, a wasteland of unfulfilled hopes and dreams, may feel no less barren. However hard such wandering can be, it can also be a season of spiritual growth and learning. These questions are designed to help you learn about God and yourself during your wanderings. YOUR CROSSING MOMENT questions point to a symbolic Jordan River that separates your current life from the Promised Land life that is possible for you. You can cross over to this life because you have victory in all things through God, who showed His great love for you (Rom. 8:37 NCV). These questions will help you find motivation and practical steps to move out in faith and enter God’s promised life. YOUR PROMISED LAND questions will inspire you to see the potential of your Promised Land life. It can be hard to imagine what a life of victory looks like. Those who have experienced victory are sometimes so humbled by it that they don’t share how it feels to win over sin and shame and sickness. But victory is not only possible for the faithful; it is promised by God. You can close the gap between the person you are and the person you want to be! It’s time to fully experience the Promised Land life. "

"GLORY DAYS..." releases  September 15th

Author Chat LIVE web link (video to view later)

Monday, September 14, 2015 at 11:00 am EST/ 8:00 am PST

I've shared more in other posts before today's 'cause I could hardly wait as I read and enjoyed both the book and the e-book!!! And, of course, I wanted you to be able to enjoy being blessed too! Enjoy your GLORY DAYS!

* not to be confused with Bruce Springsteen's "Glory Days" so be sure you add book or Max Lucado with it "PRAY Audacious PRAYERS" a sample of Max's "Glory Days" at Faith Gtaeway

Disclosure of material connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the book review blogger's program BookLookBloggers . 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 F T Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

"YOU'LL GET THROUGH THIS" offers HOPE

* SIDENOTE: It seems like midway through these month long journeys and series that I've been doing, we need a break, at least I do, because I shared this book back here last month, but not as a review like today's, more like a promotion when it was being released to let you know about it! 
Little did I know then, that I would have this opportunity to read Max Lucado's book plus review it. In a way, a review is the best way to promote a book. But as far as Max Lucado and his books are concerned, they promote themselves, through the marvelous way in which Max weaves his message in all of his now 30 nonfiction books, not only as an author, but as a pastor, father, husband, fellow sojourner, he still delivers as the best story teller, captivating you even in a well known Bible story like Joseph. As Max encourages us with ...
"You'll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times" by Max Lucado
does exactly this

... as he walks us through the Old Testament, well-known story of Joseph, of how Joseph triumphs from the pit, in "what satan intended for evil, God redeems for good", as God shows us through Joseph's story that we too can hold on to this same promise that He will see us through whatever we face with the sweet assurance that Max reminds us of in this new book once again ... in this phrase that Max repeats so we get it and then he shows us:

"You’ll get through this. It won’t be painless. It won’t be quick. But God will use this mess for good. Don’t be foolish or naïve. But don’t despair either. With God’s help, you’ll get through this. "

And we can depend on this! Max Lucado offers us hope in our situations. This book is the perfect blend of inspiration and personal stories from biblical ones to real life now stories. 
For me, I can sit down and read Max Lucado's books from beginning to end without stopping, in one setting, because of the way he engages you in the story. He personally relates so much that you not only can relate the Bible story of Joseph to your own, but also the other ones that Max uses to connect with us the truth of God's Word and HOPE. This is what I needed and Max delivers, as God delivered Joseph and others in the Bible, as we pass through our life journey, we can wipe our tears, push through the pain and press on to what God will accomplish if we hold on to the kind of HOPE that Max shares, for indeed we are not alone even when we are alone, or feel like we are.
There is an accompanying study guide available but as usual included in the book itself is a section of "Questions for Reflection" prepared by Christine M.Anderson, which I always appreciate having it included in the actual book. "You'll Get Through This ..." has 15 wonderful chapters, whereas the study guide has only six sessions that go with the book's chapters 1, 2 & 3 combined, 8, 10 and lumping the final chapters together showing us "how God can use this for good" and God will and does "use our mess for good", as Max shows us to persist in hope and continue to fight the good fight, never giving up because it will be worth it and everyone can relate to the struggles shared in this book.
I highly recommend this, not just for you, if or when you're going through something turbulent, but any time and especially to help you encourage others while they may be going through something that you may not have the answers, but God does and this book will remind you of the many ways God uses our circumstances to give light and life to another as Max Lucado once again successfully accomplishes. I know that my hope has been restored enough that I want to share Max's practical wisdom, faith, and inspiration to launch others to the HOPE we have in Christ Jesus.

Disclosure of material connection:

I received this book free from the publisher through the book review blogger's program of BookSneeze.com  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 FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255

And at the end of reading this book from Max Lucado, not only will you realize that "You'll Get Through This ..." from his "Hope and Help in Turbulent Times" but through God's help and "Revealing Jesus" as Our Peace (my 31 day series this month), will become another of the benefits: Jesus, our Hope of Glory and our Prince of Peace! pushing back those turbulent times for triumphant ones of perseverance and power in Our Lord!

Max Lucado Other resources:

You'll Get Through This Small Group Bible Study by Max Lucado (the start of the book)

An Interview with Max Lucado and DoveTV

Zondervan playlist Small Group studies

Max Lucado with Official 700 Club (shorter than above)

Max Lucado with CBN

Max Lucado through Q & A 

Max Lucado at Women of Faith event 

Max Lucado website 

"You'll Get Through This" book site where you can download the first chapter (and see if you like it as much as I do)

*The post for "31 Days Revealing Jesus as Our Peace ~ Day 14" is below and today I am LETTING GO of ... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz  (you can go there and find out) 

"The GREAT HOUSE of GOD ~ A Home for Your Heart"

by Max Lucado

The Thomas Nelson description of "The Great House of God" by Max Lucado starts out with ... 

"God's greatest desire is to be your dwelling place. The home for your heart.

He doesn't want to be merely a weekend getaway. He has no interest in being a Sunday bungalow or even a summer cottage. He wants to be your mailing address, your point of reference, your home...always. He wants you to live in the Great House of God. ..."

and this is exactly how I felt as I read "The Great House of God ... " making God my dwelling place, through the detailed schematic of the house plan correlated with the "Our Father" prayer ... truly sensing this as a welcomed "... home for my heart". Only Max Lucado could come up with this spectacular new take on a scripture passage so well-known as a prayer by most; the prayer that Jesus used to teach us to pray in Matthew 6:9-13. I have read many teachings on the "Our Father" prayer base, its structure and how we are to pray this and the power and meaning in each line of the "Our Father"  yet this one refreshes and stirs even a greater longing in me to "come home". 

Max Lucado, as always, never disappoints, and wittingly walks us through the floor plan and rooms in the House of God, via a well structured plan using the Lord's prayer, taking us on a tour of the home God intends for us:

"...Warm your heart by the fire in the living room. Nourish your spirit in the kitchen. Seek fellowship in the family room. Step into the hallway and find forgiveness. 

It's the perfect home for you. After all, it was created with you in mind. There's only one home built just for your heart. No house more complete, no structure more solid."

Indeed, my heart was kindled, as I read the Kindle version, (pun intended) by the living room fire ... my spirit nourished in the kitchen, and I found a fresh forgiveness as I stepped into the hallway; seeking fellowship in the family room after establishing step by step from the foundation of trusting in God as Our Father, Abba, all the way to the Chapel, relying on His power. Max does not even leave out the walls that Satan has a part in, nor the roof beneath God's grace. I enjoyed learning again from a different perspective each line of the Our Father and how it relates to the home built just for our hearts. 

Although, I loved passing through each chapter, room and portion of this great prayer, the Throne Room, was my favorite; as we touch the heart of God. Yet truthfully and actually, as I entered each one, they in turn became my new favorite, because of the gifted way that Max Lucado paints so vividly with words. It is not at all difficult to understand how Max Lucado is a best selling author time and time again; the reason he is one of my favorites and one of the most requested of books by me. You can't go wrong with any of his books, but this one is highly recommended by me for a delightful, brilliant, master filled journey of 13 parts in God's Great House, where you'll be at home!!!

"... So come into the house built just for you. 

Your Father is waiting."

"It's the perfect home for you. After all, it was created with you in mind. There's only one home built just for your heart. No house more complete, no structure more solid.

The roof never leaks. The walls never crack. The foundation never trembles."

In the current events of the world, you will find security in this home for your heart and soul, a spiritual shelter and refuge! I need a foundation that will never tremble, a roof that will not leak and walls that never crack because I have been cracked, leaked many tears, and trembled in the tests of my faith. This book and this new look at the 'Our Father' prayer and image has reassured me of God's complete love and a home built in my heart, Solid in Him.

The added bonus of a wonderful study guide, well written by Steve Halliday, makes this book ideal for individual, small or large group studies. It's definitely a new treasure in my home.

Praying the Our Father will now create a new concrete image in my mind, heart and spirit of Abba, Our Master builder and heavenly Father, who Jesus methodically taught us to pray, honor and glorify each and every day so that when we "ask one thing of the Lord that we may dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Psalm 27:4), we will realize the importance of each part and each room designed specifically with us in mind. God's House, not only is Great, He is Great and has invited us to make Him at home in our home. Welcome Him in now! He will shelter you, stretch you, humble you, provide for you, meet you, encompass you, build you up, nourish you, restore you, reveal Himself and His will to you each day as you pray "Our Father ... " this way as Max ends his book and God is glorified

"Our Father Thank You for adopting me into Your family.  who is (art) Thank You, my Lord, for being a God of the present tense:   my Jehovah-jireh (the God who provides),  my Jehovah-raah (the caring Shepherd),  my Jehovah-shalom (the Lord is peace),  my Jehovah-rophe (the God who heals), and my Jehovah-nissi (Lord, my banner). in heaven, Your workshop of creation reminds me: If You can make the skies, You can make sense out of my struggles.  Hallowed be your name. Be holy in my heart. You are “a cut above” all else. Enable me to set my sights on You.  Your kingdom come. Come, kingdom! Be present, Lord Jesus! Have free reign in every corner of my life.  Your will be done, Reveal your heart to me, dear Father. Show me my role in your passion. Grant me guidance in the following decisions:(list them)   . . . On earth as it is in heaven. Thank You that You silence heaven to hear my prayer. On my heart are the ones You love.  I pray for . . . (list them) Give us this day our daily bread. I accept your portion for my life today. I surrender the following concerns regarding my well-being . . .  And forgive us our debts, I thank You for the roof of grace over my head, bound together with the timbers and nails of Calvary. There is nothing I can do to earn or add to your mercy. I confess my sins to You . . .  as we also have forgiven our debtors. Treat me, Father, as I treat others. Have mercy on the following friends who have wounded me . . . (list them)  [as I let.it.go] *my addition* And do not lead us into temptation . . . Let my small hand be engulfed in Yours.  Hold me, lest I fall. I ask for special strength regarding . . . (name it)  Our Father . . . give us . . . forgive us . . .  lead us . . . Let Your kindness be on all Your church. I pray especially for ministers near and missionaries far away.  For Yours—not mine—is the kingdom I lay my plans at Your feet. Yours—not mine—is the power I come to You for strength. Yours—not mine—is the glory I give You all the credit. Forever Amen! ~Max Lucado~

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this eBook free from the publisher, Thomas Nelson through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. 16 CFR, Part 255._

IT'S NOT ABOUT ME

Max Lucado reminds us that it's not about us, it's ALL about God. The world does not revolve around us nor are we the center of the universe. Misconceptions that we are taught by society throughout our lives. But the rest of the title " Rescue From The Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy" sets the premise for this non-fiction, once again wonderfully written book by Max Lucado. He has such a way with words and story telling with humor and wisdom combined. It's not hard to tell that he is one of my all time favorite authors, even if the last book I read of his was so long ago "He Chose the Nails"; I do receive his UpWords weekly and there is one available daily and MP3s of 1minute messages. So when the opportunity to select one of his books in e-book form came, it was a welcome and a blessing for me, which I read in one sitting. I have so many parts highlighted, I'm not sure where to best begin telling you what I like. Yet I will emphasize that this is a timely book for me and I boldly would say for YOU.


"It's Not about Me" is wisely divided into two parts: God Pondering and God Promoting. "We move through me-focus to God-focus by pondering Him. Witnessing Him. Following..." this centers us on a life that works: God centered and rescues us from the one that doesn't: self-centered, self-ish. Whatever "self" you want to add... works for us to leave this behind and behold God. 


I love how Max than distinguishes between "beholding" and "reflecting" God. This is even wisely carried over in the excellent, though provoking study guide included in the back, written by Steven Halliday. Each chapter is separated into two sections: Beholding and then Reflecting.


The reason these two words are important is because different translations accurately use this for "katoptrizo"... but you'll have to read his book to clearly understand.  Yet, I see that it is crucial
to know since it is our human job description to REFLECT GOD'S GLORY! This is summed up beautifully by Max in these words: "Beholding leads to becoming. Becoming leads to reflecting."
Then Max proceeds to show us that God's message we are to mirror through: our message, our salvation, our body, our struggles, our success - all proclaim God's glory. "God sends the message, we mirror it." This takes us through the God-promoting part with each of these mirrored parts toward upward thinking. We exist to give honor to God's Name and a cleverly written exchange of a discussion between him and a Jewish passenger with Max on a flight.


The ending brought a tear to my eyes and a sweet nod of HOPE preceded by this sound, BOLD statement that expresses the heart of many of us (I hope):

"MAY WE HAVE NO HIGHER GOAL THAN TO SEE SOMEONE THINK MORE HIGHLY OF OUR FATHER, OUR KING."

I strongly encourage you to get a hold of a copy of this book to BEHOLD HIM CHANGING US:

"Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, 
[we] are changed into the same image from glory to glory, 
even as by the Spirit of the Lord "
(2 Corinthians 3:18)

... and if at all possible, doing the study with a wonderful small group that will be blessed and changed in doing it together. I know that I'm considering it. Plus there is a bonus chapter of another one of Max's new books: "Outlive Your Life"... now I'm curious about that one, too... I can't get enough of Max Lucado's style of writing but you might of me reviewing his books. 

IT'S NOT ABOUT ME ~ It's ALL about HIM!!!

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.”

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