It's Not About Me Journal

For nearly two decades, evangelical preacher Lucado has been writing about God's inexhaustible grace, and his books have been snapped up by readers hungry to know they are loved, accepted, forgiven and saved. In his latest book this message, though still present, has moved to the background. A Copernican revolution is in order, Lucado says: it is time to understand that life revolves around God, not ourselves. The God he describes is neither Santa Claus nor a kindly, reassuring grandpa. He is a God of glory and holiness, eternal and unchanging. "To seek God's glory is to pray, 'Thicken the air with your presence; make it misty with your majesty. Part heaven's drapes, and let your nature spill forth. God, show us God.' " Our role, once we have seen God's glory, is simply to reflect it. We do this by proclaiming his message, using our bodies the way he intended, trusting him in the midst of suffering and acknowledging him as the author of our success. Even our salvation "showcases God's mercy. It makes nothing of [our] effort but everything of his." Sterner generations of Christians memorized the answer to the first question in the Westminster Shorter Catechism: "Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever." Lucado brings this concept to life with his trademark breezy style, good humor, homey anecdotes and passion. His fans may be surprised by this new emphasis, but they will not be disappointed.

What would change if we finally found our place--and lived it?

For our entire lives we've been urged to look out for number one. To find our place in the sun and soak it for all its worth. To make a name for ourselves as if we are the headliners in the life's drama.

But what happens when the sweet life we imagined proves to be sour? When our expensive toys break and our work is no longer needed and our bodies grow soft?

What's next when all our efforts to take care of number one leave us feeling unsatisfied and the thrills we were promised turn up empty?

Best-selling author Max Lucado turns the greatest lie we've believed on its head--the one that says, "It's all about me"--and sets our sights on a different goal. "We were not made to live this way," Max insists.

What would happen if we all took our place and played our parts? If we started living like "Son" reflectors than individual stars and suns? If every person's priority became a divine pursuit, not a performance?

We'd see our families differently. We'd view our jobs differently. We'd treat our bodies differently. We'd respond to our problems differently. We'd find our place in the universe...finally. And we would be changed.

"The God-centered life works. And it rescues us from a life that doesn't," Max assures us. Here is your lifeline to a life of purpose. Grab hold and let the rescue begin!