by Max Lucado

Multnomah Books, $12.99, 142 pages

In The Gift For All People: Thoughts on God’s Great Grace, accomplished Christian author Max Lucado gathers more than thirty short essays and inspirational stories that look to the foundations of the Christian faith. The book’s cover features a bow and gift tag, much like a present, and Lucado dedicates his collection to missionaries who are in the field, sharing the scripture worldwide. Many of the essays are geared toward non-believers who may be hearing the Gospel for the first time, although Lucado himself writes that he hopes that even seasoned Christians will take comfort in a book that reminds us of the basics of faith.

In a chapter titled “Leaving the Porch Light On,” for example, Lucado writes that God is “the housewife in search of the lost coin”: even though he has nine other coins in his possession, he will not rest until he locates the tenth. “He’s waiting for you,” Lucado writes. “God is standing on the porch of heaven, expectantly hoping, searching the horizon for a glimpse of his child. You’re the one God is seeking”. For those hoping for a more erudite theological discussion, Lucado’s newest collection will not suffice. But for those in search of inspiration, The Gift For All People is an uplifting celebration of the basic tenets of the Christian faith.