Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine

By: Max Lucado

I love days when I can sit down and read a Max Lucado book.  I so enjoy his writing style and am glad that I had the opportunity to read his new book Grace.  I think this book is another great piece as it explores the grace of God.  The stories that he shares are relevant and help to paint a clearer picture of the point he is trying to get across.  One of my favorite stories that he shares is that of a missionary physician and his daughter.  The story is in the eighth chapter called “Feared Dethroned”.  I absolutely love this story as it illustrates how God knows our needs before we do.  His grace is truly sufficient.  Max also gets personal in this book as he shares how he has experienced the grace of God through his struggle with alcohol.    

I highly recommend this book if you want to learn more about the Grace of God.  For readers who like to do further study there is a Reader’s Guide for each chapter starting on page 157.  I like how the Reader’s Guide is set-up as each chapter contains the following: Grace Reading, Review Scripture, Ask, Call on God and Explore Grace-Shaped Living.       

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Walking on Water When You Feel Like You're Drowning

By: Tommy Nelson & Steve Leavitt

 

 

This book was written by two men who have experienced depression, anxiety, panic attacks and stress.  Tommy Nelson is a well-known author and pastor.  Many may know him from his teachings about the Song of Solomon.  Tommy explains how he loved teaching the Song of Solomon but along the way he began experiencing anxiety and panic attacks.  He realized that although he loved what he was doing he was overworked and stressed.  He wisely noted that he did not think it was possible to burn out from doing something that he loved but he was wrong.      

 Steve Leavitt is a counselor and has a ministry called Hope for Life.  Steve understands depression and anxiety as his life was turned upside down when his wife was pregnant with their second child and was diagnosed with cancer.  He talks about his pain as the Lord took his wife home four months after delivering their second child.  He was left to grieve the passing of his wife and be a father to two young children. 

In this book Tommy and Steve not only tell their stories but provide a biblical prospective to healing.  The book contains three parts: The Dark Descent, Questions from the Depths of Despair and Keys to Recovery.  The book was written in an alternating fashion meaning that in one chapter Tommy would tell part of his story and then Steve would tell his.  There are also some chapters that are just written by Steve.  I did not particularly care for the format of the book as it could be a little confusing at times but I did like the content.  I think both of these men have amazing testimonies and they could have written individual books.

 I would recommend this book to anyone experiencing depression, anxiety, panic attacks, stress, obsessiveness and perfectionism.  This book would also be good for spouses or family members who would like to help or better understand what their loved ones are experiencing.    

 *I received a complimentary copy of the book for review purposes from Tyndale House.