Lucado Leads Readers in Daily Bible Reading Via

The Devotional Bible, available March 2003

NASHVILLE, TN—Max Lucado’s impressive writing career—spanning more than 50 titles ~~with~~ with 28 million copies in print—has focused on the topics of Jesus Christ and the Bible. Now Lucado’s readers can join him on a related journey of discovery, finding Jesus throughout the pages of The Devotional Bible: Experiencing the Heart of Jesus (Nelson Bibles, March 2002). Through this one-of-a-kind Bible, Lucado’s notes and thoughts serve as a daily guide for recognizing Jesus within the writings of both the Old and New Testaments.

“My goal for The Devotional Bible is simple. I want people to discover and experience Jesus’ heart as they read the scriptures,” explains Max Lucado. “Jesus is the focus of the Bible, from beginning to end, so my notes and writings are designed to help readers see Him clearly. I hope this Bible will encourage folks to spend regular time in the Word and to experience Jesus as their dearest friend.”

Over the years, Lucado’s books have made Biblical principles understandable for all types of readers. With best-selling products ranging from adult inspirational titles to children’s books, gift books, Bible study guides and audio/video products, Lucado’s readership includes all age groups. Now, by serving as General Editor of The Devotional Bible: Experiencing the Heart of Jesus, Lucado will lead readers into a deeper understanding of God’s character as expressed through Jesus Christ.

The Devotional Bible features the complete New Century Version scripture text as well as almost a dozen special features for devotional use. Max Lucado serves as a guide to readers who are invited to tour the Bible alongside the popular devotional writer. Lucado’s words of encouragement and wisdom are laced throughout the biblical text along with these special features:

· “How to Study the Bible” notes

· Book Introductions with key features in each book

· Life Lessons: sidebar readings from Lucado and other writers

· Topical articles with material from Lucado

· “New Life in Christ”: 30 notes walk readers through the path of salvation and discipleship

· “Christ Through the Bible”: 50 notes reveal Jesus throughout the scripture

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The Devotional Bible/page two

· Articles and helps from the He Did This Just for You evangelistic tract

· Bible study questions for individuals and groups

· Two-year devotional reading plan

· Topical reading plan

· Inspirational index

The foundation for this new Bible product is the former Inspirational Bible, which Lucado edited seven years ago for W Publishing Group. The scripture text (New Century Version) remains the same for this new Bible, but all other content has been significantly revised and updated. Specifically, the additional elements in The Devotional Bible: Experiencing the Heart of Jesus are designed to help readers discover Jesus Christ in each book of the Bible. Adds Lucado: “This Bible is designed for anyone wanting to know more about Jesus—from the person wanting an introduction to the seasoned follower.”

“The Devotional Bible is perfect for readers who want to spend time in God’s Word with a guide who can help them understand the terrain,” says Phil Stoner, Executive VP & Bible Group Publisher. “And who would make a better guide than Max Lucado? His entire writing career is based on pointing people to Jesus, so editing this Bible was a natural outgrowth of his passion.”

David Moberg, Senior Vice President and Publisher of W Publishing Group, oversees the entire line of Lucado products from Thomas Nelson. He believes The Devotional Bible is a culmination of Max’s writing: “As Max’s writing style has grown in depth and clarity in the past seven years, we knew it was time to completely revise the Inspirational Bible. The new fans of Lucado as well as his long-time readers will be encouraged in their Bible devotional reading.”

During the past fifteen years, Max Lucado has become recognized for what USA Today called “his chatty, easy-to-read style.” A New York Times best-selling author with more than 28 million books in print, Lucado is nothing short of a publishing phenomenon. He is the first author to win three *ECPA Book of the Year awards and at least one of his books has appeared on an ECPA bestseller list every month for the last 12 years. Lucado set a record with 11 of his 12 published works on an ECPA bestseller list at once in 1994. Max Lucado, his wife Denalyn and their three daughters reside in San Antonio, Texas, where he serves as a minister at Oak Hills Church of Christ.

Nelson Bibles is a subsidiary of Thomas Nelson, Inc., a leading publisher, producer and distributor of books emphasizing Christian, inspirational and family value themes. Thomas Nelson Inc. is the largest publisher of Bibles and inspirational books in the English language. For more information, visit www.thomasnelson.com.

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The Devotional Bible

Experiencing the Heart of Jesus

Max Lucado, General Editor

Available March 2003 from Nelson Bibles

Jacketed Hardcover: ISBN 0-7180-0248-2, $39.99

Bonded Leather: ISBN 0-7180-0249-0, $54.99