BOOK REVIEW
Max Lucado, Help is Here, finding fresh strength and purpose in the power of the Holy Spirit, Thomas Nelson, 2022
Reviewer: Mary Lou Codman-Wilson, PhD etc
Rating : 5 stars
Date: 3/19/25
Soundbite:
If you want to hear from God, the first question you need to ask is not,
“What should I do?” but “Whom do I hear? Who has authority? Who calls
the shots in my life?” If the answer is “people,” you will not discern
God’s direction. If the answer is TV personalities, you will not discern
God’s will for your life. Add to that list horoscopes, palm readers,
and tarot cards. If you are following the stars, you aren’t following
the Son. “The true children of God are those who let God’s Spirit lead
them. (Rom.8:14)(p.80). . .Are you at a crossroads in your life? Open
your Bible. When you open your Bible, God opens his mouth (p.84)
Review:
Max Lucado has become a wise, popular, down to earth Christian writer whose books have brought encouragement and guidance to millions around the world. This book Help is Here is his newest book on the wonders of the Holy Spirit’s role in every Christian’s life. He testifies, “ One day while studying for a message, I read the words Jesus used to describe the Holy Spirit; Comforter and friend. I recall having this wonderful realization” “I know that Person.” That was three decades ago. I no longer think of the Holy Spirit as the Holy who. I now call Him our Heaven Sent Helper. He is the ally of the saint. He is our champion, our advocate, our guide. He comforts and directs us. He indwells, transforms, sustains and will someday deliver us into our heavenly home. He is the executor of God’s will on earth today, here to infuse us with strength. Supernatural strength. “The Holy Spirit comes with power. Power to make good choices, keep promises. And silence the inner voices of fear and failure. Power to get out of bed, get on with life, get busy about the right things in the right way. Power to face the unexpected, unwanted passages of time (p.7). The Spirit is the dove of peace who calms us, the gift giver who equips us, the river of living water who flows out of us to refresh the world. (p.11)The Spirit has a simple, overarching mission. His task is to teach us about Jesus.” (p.18) The Spirit does more than repeat the words of Jesus. He unfolds their significance for the world in which we live (p.22). He empowers us to be what He calls us to be. (p. 31)
The entirety of Lucas’ book is his exposition and stories of these vital roles of this heaven sent member of the Trinity. “ You have the force of heaven’s wind within you.” He tells a vital truth (p.34) Here to Help is a simply written must-read book for every Christian. 5 stars.
Excerpts
The groans of the heart. You have heard them; you have made them. They are the vernacular of pain, the chosen tongue of despair. Sunnier days hear nice, poetic petitions, but stormy seasons generate mournful sounds of sadness, fear and dread. Yet these raw appeals find their way into the presence of God the Father. How can we be sure? Because they are entrusted into the care of the Holy Spirit. – Rom.8:22-23, 26-27- (p.42). What you pray in the night is heard in the light of your Father’s throne – “you keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your book‘ (Ps.56:8).
Seal. You know the verb.. . You notarize the contents to seal the deal. Sealing declares ownership and secures contents. Sealing is the act that says, ‘This is mine and this is protected. When you accepted Christ, God sealed you with the Spirit. Your name is not written in God’s book with a pencil. He does not hover an eraser above your entry, just waiting for an excuse to remove it. He is not a cruet master who demands perfection and promises retribution. He is a good Father, who has recorded your name in the Book of Life with the blood of the Lamb. (p.56)
Welcome His (the Spirit’s) help. He will purify, refine, energize and protect. None can do more than He. (p.94)
Aaron’s oil changed more than his scent; it demarcated his assignment.”Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them so they may serve me as priests.” (Exod.30:30). They were consecrated for a purpose. They carried upon them God’s special favor. They bore a unique authority. “ (p.101)
Natural talents and spiritual gifts are not always identical. Natural gifts advance personal causes; spiritual gifts advance God’s cause. Your spiritual gift is often a divine application of your natural strength. Paul, for example fought powerfully before his conversion. On the Damascus road Christ requisitioned the teaching strength for His purpose. Spiritual gifts exist to exalt Christ, edify the church and bless the needy.(p.133)
The Holy Spirit has given each of us a part in the wondrous song of grace. But we were
not made to sing alone. Only when we blend our gifts can we expect a beautiful sound. (p.134)
The help you need is here. Ask the Spirit to infuse you with His power. Throw open the door! Swing wide the gate! Stand on the threshold and say, “Come in.” (p.154)