Book Notes: Fearless by Max Lucado

Next week, we begin shipping Fearless, the new book by mega best-selling author, Max Lucado. In a few minutes, I’ll tell you how to get a copy free.

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On the morning of September 15, 2008, I arrived in New York City for a series of meetings on Wall Street. When I got off the plane, I discovered that Lehman Brothers, one of America’s most venerable financial institutions, had filed for bankruptcy. People in the street, on the elevators, and in my meetings seemed stunned. They barely talked. The fear was palpable.

We all sensed that this was something momentous. However, little did we realize that in the months to follow many other familiar institutions would totter and wobble. Not a few would fall to their knees. Fear was about to engulf us like smoke in a burning building.

In fact, if I had to pick one word that summarized the last twelve months, it would be “fear.” It has truly been the “Year of Fear.” People have been afraid that:

  • We are on the verge of economic collapse
  • We would elect the wrong president
  • They would lose their job
  • The wouldn’t be able to support their family
  • Global warming would destroy the planet
  • The Swine Flu would become a pandemic

And the list goes on. In addition, the media were there every step of the way to amplify and spread this emotional virus.

I have to admit, that I have personally struggled with fear more than any other single emotion. It’s been true for my entire adult life. I have laid in bed for nights on end, tossing and turning about all the same things that you worry about: the economy, my job, my health, my kids, etc.

That’s why I was so excited when Max said he wanted to write about fear. If there’s one emotion that is nearly universal, this is it. Maybe this is why Jesus said “fear not,” “do not fear,” “take courage” or something similar 125 times in the Gospels—more than any other single commandment. (The second most common command, to love God and neighbor, appears only eight times.)

My biggest takeaway from this book is that it is possible to live without fear. In fact, the subtitle says it all: “Imagine your life without fear.” Max writes

Imagine your life, wholly untouched by angst. What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats? If you could hover a fear magnet over your heart and extract every last shaving of dread, insecurity, and doubt, what would remain? Envision the day when you can trust more and fear less. Can you imagine your life without fear?”

Fearless will be one of the biggest bestsellers of this year. It is a fantastically well-written book on arguably the greatest felt-need of our time. And you can get it FREE if you act now. Here are three options:

  1. You can download a free PDF of the first chapter and sample the book for yourself. That was enough to hook me. (You will also need a free copy of Adobe Reader to view it.)
  2. You can leave a comment below (scroll down) and then sign-up to get a free copy of the actual book. This offer is limited to the first 100 people who respond. It’s available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Remember, the book will not ship until next week, so it will likely be a few weeks before you get your copy.
  3. If you are a blogger, you can also get a free copy of the actual book. If you are not already signed up as one of our Book Review Bloggers, you need to do that first. Then you can request a copy of the book. We are making 1,000 copies of the book available to bloggers. However, my guess is that these will go quickly.
What fears do your family and friends wrestle with? What fears do you wrestle with?
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Building Champions has been coaching me since 2002. They have taught me to be more proactive and intentional in both my business and personal life. Visit their Web site to learn more and see their special offer for my blog readers.


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Posted on 10 August 2009

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246 Comments so far

  1. Kristy Ensor says:

    Fear and worry seem to go hand in hand. Such a good topic to elaborate on. I look forward to reading the book.

  2. Bobbie-Jo Reuber says:

    I am a big fan of Max, so are my children with his kid's books. Fearless sounds amazing from what I've read. Can I please have a copy!?:)

  3. Deepak says:

    I would like to have one copy. Thanks again, Michael.

  4. This is such a timely topic for the times in which we live. I can't wait to read the entire book.

  5. Davis says:

    Sounds Awesome! I love Max Lucado. Would love a copy.

  6. Alanna Webster says:

    I am very interested in reading this book!!

  7. c.m. habermehl says:

    I cannot wait to read it ether. would love a copy.
    c.m. habermehl

  8. Vern Slaton says:

    max lucado is one of my favorite authors of all time. he's not complicated in his writtings but he is down to earth i am excited about this book cause i believe it's a book that this world need in these days

  9. back40life says:

    I love how you guys are providing these books free of charge for people to read – just signed up to get my blogger copy – thanks much!!

  10. Chase says:

    I may be too late to get a copy for free but I do enjoy Max's writings.

  11. Would love to get a copy of the book if there are any left.

  12. Based on 1st chapter with Max writing about his brother and his teenage years, this will be a powerful book. I’d like to learn how to live fearlessly, esp as wife and I head out to minister to missionaries. If there are any left, please send a copy to PO Box 701, Kimberling City, MO 65686

  13. Angie Gullett says:

    There are a lot of fears I struggle with and I would love to read this so I hope I get a free book. Also just love Max Lucado!
    Angie Gullett

  14. ray pratl says:

    I'd like a copy… Max Lucado is a Christian Voice that needs to be heard. My ministry and life's trajectory have been eternally impacted.

  15. C. Manion says:

    Thanks for sharing Max with us, Michael! I'm making a list of my fears so I can look them in the face. They include not being accepted by others, giving too much money away and not having "enough" – whatever THAT is.

    Do the thing you fear to do and that's the death of fear.

    C. Manion

  16. Would LOVE a copy of this book! I'm sort of in an interesting valley looking at 2 formidable hills to climb. I really look forward to Max's insight about this. Can't wait to read this! So perfect right now!

  17. patriciazell says:

    The best way to defeat fear is to cultivate a relationship with God through Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. I do not waste time feeling condemned because I'm afraid of something. I take whatever the circumstance is and ask God to give me knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. Hebrews 2:14-15 says that Christ destroyed the one who had the power of death–the devil–and released those who were (are) in bondage through the fear of death. So, not only did Christ tell us to not fear, but he also made the way for us to not fear.

  18. I cannot wait to get the book..

  19. Alan Teaford says:

    Just finished Facing your Giants, using Max's bible study guide for Acts- Worthwhile reading and very apropos for this day and age. A real testament to living out Hebrews 11:1. Worthwhile following on Twitter (in which I heard about the book).

  20. Jenny B says:

    It does sound like it will be a fantastic read. I've just signed up to be a blogger so the book should arrive soon.

  21. sarah lyons says:

    That is really nice that they are able and willing to make such a sacrifice for the wellbeing of other individuals struggling in todays world. May God continue to bless you and everyone involved directly or indirectly.

  22. Jim Weeks says:

    I used to be a sales rep for Multnomah when Max first came back from Rio, I sold his books for 5 years as a Multnomah rep. I have several autographed copies and would love to read the newest. He is a super guy. I am now retired.
    Jim Weeks
    Bella Vista, AR

  23. miguel says:

    thanks… i'm excited to read this book…

  24. hazel says:

    can't wait to have and read this book.. ;p

  25. @tom_wells says:

    Great read….can't wait for a copy!

  26. Brianne says:

    Thank you for the opportunity to get this book for free! I can't wait to read it!

  27. Barbara says:

    I love Max Lucado's and I would love to have a copy of this book. It sounds like it will be a great book. I recently filed Bankrutcy myself and have family issues that I pray with God on a daily basis about. I know he will answer my prayers in his time.

  28. Holly says:

    Before the buzz came about Max's new book, I was renewing my love for the older ones. I love his style of writing, and immediately knew once I saw the new title it was one I had to have. Knowing what a great God we have, one that uses our lives for good and not harm makes it so ironic that we continue to struggle with these fears. Fear grips me every day, every hour of my life, and I want it GONE!!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the book and your experiences in New York. I pray that many through reading this book and grabbing hold of the power of Jesus will break strongholds holding them for so long. I can't wait until this book is in my hands, no matter how it comes!

  29. @bradtuggle says:

    Thanks, Max, for once again pinpointing the pulse of our times & Jesus' words to address it.

  30. MaDonna Millard says:

    This looks like another wonderful book from Max Lucado. It is so relivent for this time and I will be looking forward to reading it and sharing it. The older I get the more I want to share God's wisdom, love and care with my family and friends and Max's books help me do that. I would be happy to get a free copy.

  31. Hi Mr. Hyatt, I am a huge fan of Max Lucado and would love to get a copy of his book. I watched your youtube video on the family christian bookstore site which said that we could get a copy if we asked and were one of the first 1000 – I am a mother of 6 and I love sharing my books with anyone who is willing to read them.

    thank you so very much and God Bless You! Robin Morris

  32. Larry Hanthorn says:

    I have always loved Max Lucado. "in the Grip of Grace" sits on my bookshelf and I frequently give away a few copies each year to fellow travelers. God has given him a gift with words that touch my heart and the hearts of many others. I can't wait to read Fearless and spread the word fo my firends and family.

  33. Val says:

    I think this would be great for an outreach focused sermon series, for starting new community small groups and as an outreach tool in general. Don't get me wrong — everyone in the church can benefit from it as well and our best light to shine for Jesus would be to be fearless in His strength!

  34. atticbook says:

    This first chapter really caught me. I am glad Max Lucado has thought and prayed throught the reality of fear. What a treasure to share. I will read through each chapter capturing applications for daily living. Thanks!

  35. Cheryl says:

    Thank you for sharing the first chapter of FEARLESS. I enjoyed reading it. I can’t wait to read the rest of Max Lucado’s inspiring message of living a life without fear. Fear can be so paralyzing and not allow us to move forward in life. I would love to share this book with others who are afraid. Thanks again.

  36. Cindy Alexander says:

    I have got to get this book. I can't wait to read it.

  37. cindylou123 says:

    I can't wait to read this book.

  38. Eric Brazos says:

    I just finished reading the first chapter from the free download. I can't wait to read the rest of the book. Every Christian needs to read this book ASAP.

  39. karena says:

    i agree, i like Max Lucado. he was one of the first authors that i followed three years ago when i became a christian. i guess people really do want to hear about tough stuff, as intimidating as it may seem.


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