Quotes from Max Lucado

A book should be a garden that fits in the hands. Word-petals of color. Stems of strength. roots of truth. Turn a page and turn the seasons. Read the sentence and enjoy the roses.

The Bible is the story of two gardens: Eden and Gethsemane. In the first, Adam took a fall. In the second, Jesus took a stand. In the first, God sought Adam. In the second, Jesus sought God. In Eden, Adam hid from God. In Gethsemane, Jesus emerged from the tomb. In Eden, Satan led Adam to a tree that led to his death. From Gethsemane, Jesus went to a tree that led to our life.

Though we may not be able to see His purpose or His plan, the Lord of heaven is on His throne and in firm control of the universe and our lives.

When God looks at you, he doesn't see you; he sees the One who surrounds you. That means that failure is not a concern for you. Your victory is secure.

Jesus tends to his people individually. He personally sees to our needs. We all receive Jesus' touch. We experience his care.

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.

There is no way our little minds can comprehend the love of God. But that didn't keep him from coming.

Don't measure the size of the mountain; talk to the One who can move it.

When grace moves in... guilt moves out

Greed is not defined by what something costs; it is measured by what it costs you. If anything costs you your faith or your family, the price is too high. Such is the point Jesus makes in the parable of the portfolio.

Though you see nothing, he is acting.

You need someone to lift your spirits. You need someone to look you in the face and say, This isn't the end. Don't give up. There is a better place than this. And I'll lead you there.

People are watching the way we act, more than they are listening to what we say.

We forget that IMPOSSIBLE is one of God's favorite words

When he says we're forgiven, let's unload the guilt. When he says we're valuable, let's believe him. . . . When he says we're provided for, let's stop worrying. God's efforts are strongest when our efforts are useless

Confession is the act of inviting God to walk the acreage of our hearts. "There is a rock of greed over here, Father. I can't budge it. And that tree of guilt near the fence? Its roots are long and deep. And may I show you some dry soil, too crusty for seed?" God's seed grows better if the soil of the heart is cleared.

You'll get through this. It won't be painless. It won't be quick. But God will use this mess for good. In the meantime don't be foolish or naïve. But don't despair either. With God's help you will get through this.

Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the One who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.

God wants us to know we are saved, for saved people are dangerous people, willing to face off with the world, unafraid of the consequences since they know that, whatever happens, they will have eternal life.

Philosophers can debate the meaning of life, but you need a Lord who can declare the meaning of life.

Don't worry about having the right words; worry more about having the right heart. It's not eloquence he seeks, just honesty.

Worry divides the mind.

The wizard [of Oz] says look inside yourself and find self. God says look inside yourself and find [the Holy Spirit]. The first will get you to Kansas. The latter will get you to heaven. Take your pick.

God leads us. God will do the right thing at the right time. And what a difference that makes.