Max Lucado did it again. I remember the first devotional I read by Max Lucado, and he’s still working the same magic in this book years later. Lucado has this amazing way of being completely real. Does he have some window into my life? No. He just gets it. He understands the frustrations of parenthood, the exasperation of being a spouse, and the difficulty of walking the Christian walk. He also has excellent advice to overcome those obstacles.  Gleaning from Scriptural references, personal anecdotes, words from authors like C.S. Lewis, and even medical journals, Lucado constructs this guide to having a heart like Jesus.   Is honesty always the best policy?  Do I have to forgive, even when it’s an act of infidelity?  Is it okay to hold on to a just little bit of worry?  Lucado addresses such issues by using the best guide of all — Jesus.   This book is so easy to read, it’s like having a conversation.  I’m going to pass along my copy to my mom, for whom English is a second language.   I know she’ll love the personal nature of the stories and it’s written in such a way that she’ll be able to read it with no trouble.

If you’re having difficulty in any area of your life and need to know what Jesus would do, you should of course read the Bible.  It’s the first reference that I would recommend.  But this is a good start.  Just Like Jesus is like taking a road trip with Jesus in the car.   You’ll find yourself answering Lucado’s questions out loud, nodding your head, and wanting to stop and pray right then. Do it! 

Don’t miss out on the thought-provoking questions in the study guide at the end of the book.  If you’re using this book in a Sunday School class or small group, this is such a great homework assignment for each member.  You could also use this as a prayer journal prompt.  While I understand how it helps the flow of the book to have the study guide at the end, I would have preferred having the questions at the end of each corresponding chapter.  I love the last chapter, it’s just the perfect finishing touch.  It is a call to action.  There’s no time like the present to get right with God. Don’t wait another day.