IT'S NOT ABOUT ME: Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy

For nearly two decades, evangelical preacher Lucado has been writing about God's inexhaustible grace, and his books have been snapped up by readers hungry to know they are loved, accepted, forgiven and saved. In his latest book this message, though still present, has moved to the background. A Copernican revolution is in order, Lucado says: it is time to understand that life revolves around God, not ourselves. The God he describes is neither Santa Claus nor a kindly, reassuring grandpa. He is a God of glory and holiness, eternal and unchanging. "To seek God's glory is to pray, 'Thicken the air with your presence; make it misty with your majesty. Part heaven's drapes, and let your nature spill forth. God, show us God.' " Our role, once we have seen God's glory, is simply to reflect it. We do this by proclaiming his message, using our bodies the way he intended, trusting him in the midst of suffering and acknowledging him as the author of our success. Even our salvation "showcases God's mercy. It makes nothing of [our] effort but everything of his." Sterner generations of Christians memorized the answer to the first question in the Westminster Shorter Catechism: "Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever." Lucado brings this concept to life with his trademark breezy style, good humor, homey anecdotes and passion. His fans may be surprised by this new emphasis, but they will not be disappointed. (Mar. 9)

Forecast: Lucado's books have sold more than 33 million copies, and this latest (with an initial print run of 350,000 copies) should get off to a roaring start with an innovative pre-sales campaign; the foreword by former basketball star David Robertson will help as well. Customers who pre-purchase the book between January 15 and March 9 will receive a free companion journal with each advance order.