The Applause of Heaven (The Bestseller Collection) [Hardcover]

Max Lucado (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 30, 2008 | Series: The Bestseller Collection (Book 3)

It comes from God and it is within your reach ... The applause of heaven.

A joy that can't be quenched? A peace that can't be broken? A happiness that can't be threatened?

There is such a joy. It is a sacred delight, a holy gladness. You can't open your Bible without reading about it. You can't live a truly satisfying life without it. And it's nearer than you think.

Jesus describes that sacred delight in the astonishing mountain message we now call the Beatitudes. And Max Lucado, in this classic exploration of enduring joy, shows you how this familiar but revolutionary prescription for living can bless your life beyond your wildest imagining.

Imagine God doing what gods would do only in your wildest dreams -- wearing diapers, riding donkeys, washing feet, dozing in storms -- dying for you mistakes. Imagine having God as your pinch-hitter, you lawyer, your dad, you biggest fan, and you best friend. Imagine having the King of kings in your cheering section and hearing the applause of heaven ring out ... just for you.

But don't just imagine it. Open your heart to it -- the heavenly joy of knowing the God who delights in you.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (September 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0849921236
• ISBN-13: 978-0849921230
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #397,289 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #48 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Authors, A-Z > ( L ) > Lucado, Max

More About the Author

In just under two decades of writing, Max Lucado has accomplished more than most writers hope for in a lifetime. Most of his books have appeared on one or more best seller lists, including those published by the "New York Times," "USA Today," "Publishers Weekly," and the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA). Aside from hardcover books, Lucado's writings have also been published as children's books, videos, CD-ROMs, DVDs, music CDs, mass paperback booklets, apparel, giftware, bookmarks, calendars, study Bibles, workbooks, curricula, and plush products. In spring 2003, Hallmark/Dayspring Cards launched a new gift card line featuring excerpts from Lucado's writings--and has already sold more than one million cards.

All this success has drawn more than a little attention to a previously low-profile Texas author and minister. Lucado has been featured in a wide range of media, including "USA Today," "Larry King Live," and "NBC Nightly News." He has spoken at the National Prayer Breakfast before the President of the United States. He has traveled with internationally renowned musicians as a special speaker on their music tours, such as the highly successful "Come Together & Worship Tour" (sponsored by Chevrolet) with Grammy Award-winning artists Michael W. Smith and Third Day.

Journey to the Top
Lucado was born in 1955 in San Angelo, Texas, and raised in Andrews, Texas, the youngest of four children. His father was an Exxon oil field mechanic who, Lucado remembers, always smelled of grease cleaner. "It makes it easy for me to see a God who is loving and kind--because my dad was," he says. His mother was a nurse who grew up working in the cotton fields.

Lucado went through a period of rebellion against his parents' values and their God during his teens and into college. But it wasn't long before he found himself drawn back to his roots, back to God. He married, spent time serving as a missionary in Brazil, and returned to the States, where he began working as a church minister and writing on the side.

Secret to Success
From all accounts, Max Lucado is not a man consumed by sales, awards, and achievements. He often turns down media interviews since they impede on family and ministry commitments. He spends the bulk of his week serving as senior minister at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. And he is truly surprised by his own success--more impressed by his one-in-a-million wife and three amazing daughters than by his successful writing career.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply magnificent, a taste of heaven..., October 8, 2010

By 

Ian M. Acheson (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Applause of Heaven (The Bestseller Collection) (Hardcover)

I've only recently started reading Max Lucado and everything I've read is simply wonderful. He's the master storyteller using true stories from the everyday to illustrate a Biblical truth.

This little gem about Jesus Beatitudes documented in Matthew 5 is no exception. I have read them many times over the years but now having read this book feel the scales have fallen from my eyes and I can see their wonder and relevance to my life. If seeking a more intimate spiritual posture with Jesus, then read this book.

It's easy to read, a chapter for each verse, full of practical and, at times, very simple stories like the joy Max feels when he's heading home after a week on the road. His language is so powerful, he allows the reader to see and feel a situation the way he does. Masterful. There's also a study guide in this edition for further reflection and group study.

Now, which Lucado will I tackle next?

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully Uplifting!, December 28, 1999

By 

Tracey - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Applause of Heaven (Hardcover)

This was the first book by Max Lucado that I have read and now I am a fan of his work! His style of writing makes you laugh, cry and best of all....gives you hope! God does exist and he is waiting for us! I highly recommend it!

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy read but VERY PROFOUND, August 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Applause of Heaven (Paperback)

This is the most profound book I have ever read. A very easy book to read and you'll want to read it over and over. I had never considered the Beatitudes in this light before and found it very enlightening. Thank you Max Lucado ... may God bless you many times over.