The Applause of Heaven

A thoughtful, well-written look at the Beatitudes, from Matthew's Gospel. Peppered with relevant anecdotes and Scripture references, the author takes the view that the 'Blessed....' statements are connected, referring to a person's spiritual journey as they acknowledge their poverty of spirit, mourn for their pride, and so on.

I was surprised how much I liked this book, reading just one or two chapters a day for just under two weeks. There's a clear Christian message, but the author manages to keep it quite low-key without being too pushy.

Definitely recommended.

Longer review here: http://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2020/08/the-applause-of-heaven-by-max-lucado...

I can fathom a God who knows me, who made me, and hears me, but a God who is in love with me? A God who cheers for me? That is hard to imagine, but that is the message of the Bible.

Delight is the dozing wedding guests who drank the wine that had been water. Delight is Jesus walking through waves as casually as you walk through cur- tains. ... is the day's wage paid to workers who had worked only one hour . . . the father scrubbing the pig smell off his son's back . . . the shepherd throwing a party because the sheep was found. ... It's what you'd always dreamed but never expected.

This book is a fitting reminder of what's truly important in life and what truly gives me lasting happiness and joy. This would make a good group study book, including its discussion guide.

A joy that can't be quenched? A peace that can't be broken? A happiness that can't be threatened? It comes from God and it is within your reach....the heavenly joy of knowing the God who delights in you.

Goodwill

Sisters, OR