Lucado's exploration of the Beatitudes shows how this familiar but revolutionary prescription for living can bless your life beyond your wildest imagining.

Do you long for a joy that can't be quenched? A calm that can't be broken? A happiness that can't be threatened? There is such a joy, and it is within your reach. You can't open your Bible without reading about it. You can't live a truly satisfying life without it. It is a sacred delight, a holy gladness. And it's nearer than you think. Jesus describes this sacred delight in the astonishing mountain message we now call the Beatitudes. Pastor and New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado explores Jesus’ prescription for enduring joy and the ways this familiar but revolutionary pattern of living can bless your life beyond your wildest imagining. In The Applause of Heaven you’ll discover that God promises a special blessing to: the poor in spirit those who mourn the meek those who hunger and thirst the merciful the pure in heart the peacemakers the persecuted As you seek to live out the message of the Sermon on the Mount, you’ll find your biggest fan walking alongside you. Imagine your best friend—the King of kings—in your cheering section and the applause of heaven ringing out . . . just for you. But don't just imagine it. Open your heart to it. Receive the heavenly joy of knowing the God who delights in you.

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 The author interviewed Beverly Sills, an internationally acclaimed opera singer and director of the New York City Opera. She was bitter, but Bubbles, her friends call her, is not. She has been through a lot, but she still has peace in her pain. #2 The king was a man with cerebral palsy who lost everything in one instant. He was ridiculed, and his neighbors tried to lynch him. He was buried in a borrowed grave, and his funeral was financed by compassionate friends. #3 Sacred delight is the joyful realization that God is doing what only God would do in your wildest dreams. It is good news coming through the back door of your heart. It is what you've always dreamed but never expected. #4 God's joy is not cheap. It is a sacred delight that only God can grant. It is a delight because it thrills. It is sacred because only God can grant it. It is a secret that makes Mary sing.

The world races after a false sense of satisfaction, constantly looking for the applause of mankind. As believers, we must realign our focus to see what really matters. Instead of being concerned with what people will think, we ought to be more concerned with what God will think. Our lives should evoke the applause of heaven.

The need for affirmation is inherent; however, some have an insatiable appetite for being validated or applauded by others. After spending countless hours and years trying to please/impress others, she learned thatunfulfilled service and ungrateful people caused disappointment and discouragement. She says that there were times and seasons along the journey that were very difficult, which left feelings of: exhaustion, insecurity, discouragement, disappointment, to name a few. By allowing Christ to take the drivers seat, she began to experience an exhilarating ride of a lifetime. She hopes that through reading this book, Christian leaders can choose to diligently work for the approval of God and not people. In these times, so many are in constant search for applause, validation from others for their contributions and accomplishments. She believes that when Christ is at the center, you are free to serve in ministry, for His approval instead of people.

Forty-nine short inspirational stories offer encouragement to people who find themselves facing struggles, being tempered and crafted into the image of God through challenging circumstances. Beautiful gift book, previously published as On the Anvil.

Selections in this book are taken from the previously published 'When Christ comes' ... c1999 Max Lucado.