Blog Archives
God Is Speaking to You
Jacqui D. Williams’ God Is Speaking to You is an earnest and deeply personal exploration of how God communicates with us through scripture, prayer, and personal experiences. The book serves as both a guide and an encouragement for believers who seek clarity in recognizing God’s voice. Williams emphasizes the importance of cultivating a relationship with God, surrendering to His will, and staying constant in prayer. The message is clear: God is always speaking—it’s up to us to listen.
One of the strongest aspects of this book is its emphasis on building a personal relationship with God. Williams doesn’t offer a formulaic, step-by-step guide to hearing divine direction, and I appreciated that honesty. Instead, she highlights the necessity of daily prayer and Bible reading, noting that true spiritual discernment takes time. She addresses the common frustration of believers wanting specific answers from God, only to realize that scripture doesn’t always spell out personal details. Her insight that “you will not find personal specifics in the Bible where it tells you to marry a person or take a particular job, but when you receive Jesus…you have something even better” resonated with me. The focus on deepening faith rather than demanding answers was refreshing.
Williams speaks with conviction, often sharing personal experiences to back up her points. She recounts a time when a minister prophesied over her, and she instinctively prayed for God’s protection. I found this anecdote powerful because it underscored the importance of discernment. The book does a great job emphasizing the need for caution when it comes to prophecy and spiritual guidance. The warnings about false prophets are valuable, and while the book takes a strong stance on being watchful, I think it could also highlight that spiritual discernment is a journey, one where learning from experience, including missteps, is part of growing in faith.
Chapter 5: You Are Forgiven tackles the difficulty of forgiving ourselves. This was one of the most impactful sections for me. Williams writes, “A lot of us still have a problem letting go of our past mistakes even though we know we can’t take them back.” Her reminder that God forgives us fully, even when we struggle to forgive ourselves, felt like a warm reassurance. The book shines when Williams offers these moments of heartfelt encouragement. She doesn’t just talk about faith theoretically; she speaks as someone who has walked through doubt and self-condemnation and found peace on the other side.
God Is Speaking to You is a solid read for Christians who are seeking reassurance that God is present and actively guiding their lives. It’s particularly suited for believers who are struggling to hear God’s voice or those who feel distant in their faith. If you’re looking for a book that both instructs and encourages, this is a worthwhile read.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0CXTBVNKV
Incredible Loss
Harpazo follows a cast of characters, all of whom are grappling with losing loved ones to sudden and unexplained disappearances. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Harpazo, along with the other two books in the Trib Trilogy, are inspired by events described in the Book of Revelation in the Bible.
The sudden disappearance of a quarter of the world’s population that takes place at the beginning of Harpazo is inspired by the Rapture. The Rapture is not found in the Book of Revelation, but passages describing the Rapture—a sudden, future gathering up of the godly—are sprinkled throughout the Bible.
Wondering what it would be like to be left behind after the Rapture takes place, I wanted to explore as many permutations of this as possible. So, I tried to give several points of view, but all from average, hard-working, well-meaning people.
The loss of one-quarter of the world’s population causes severe consequences that each of my characters must find a way to come to terms with. I wanted to explore several ways an average person could respond to the incredible loss felt by all.
What draws you to write books in the apocalyptic fiction genre?
Every interesting story contains a problem that the characters must solve or find a way to live with. Apocalyptic fiction takes that to a much higher level. The problem is bigger, usually worldwide, but the principle is the same as for every story.
I think the danger with most apocalyptic fiction is that it gets lost in the grandiose nature of its story problems. Huge events tend to dwarf the characters and their responses to the events taking place.
I’ve always wondered what the consequences would be if the worst scenario happened. What would happen after the unthinkable? And what could be more unthinkable than one-quarter of the world population (including all the children) suddenly disappearing?
But I wanted to showcase this earth-shattering event—and the consequences that ensue—through the eyes of ordinary people. I wanted to present the changes that can occur due to the catastrophe on an individual level…the good, the bad, and the ugly. For that, I needed to approach the story from several perspectives.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
This is a really difficult question to answer as there are so many life experiences that I could point to that I believe shaped my perspective. But if I had to narrow it down to one thing, I would have to say that becoming an active Christian has had the greatest impact on my writing…as it has for my whole life.
Can you give us a peek inside the second book in the Trib trilogy? Where will it take readers?
Sure, here is the synopsis for Charagma, Book Two of the Trib Trilogy:
The meteor showers that destroyed two major cities on the eastern seaboard of North America—and heavily damaged all others—have continued unabated for weeks. Not confined to North America, the meteors have rained down death worldwide, igniting old-growth forests in an inferno of epic proportions.
Now, at the beginning of the second year of the Tribulation, a much bigger meteor plummets into the Pacific Ocean…and plunges the world into the next series of cataclysmic events. Not least is the sudden, silent change in the world’s freshwater supply from potability to deadly poison.
Meanwhile, in geopolitics, a new hope dawns.
A leader, the likes of whom the world has never seen before, emerges out of obscurity to take command. The world’s population, desperate for solutions, clings to the new leader’s promise of renewed peace and prosperity.
While most of the world’s citizens believe in the new leader’s rhetoric some do not. Even after the new leader miraculously resurrects after being assassinated!
Only a few know who the new leader really is and how dangerous he is to everyone, everywhere, all over the world.
Through the eyes of ordinary people, Charagma tells the story of the middle years of the Tribulation—a time of growing political pressure to conform to the all-powerful forces shaping the world.
Each person is faced with a choice: Conform to the new leader’s demand for complete, unwavering loyalty to his one-world government, ensuring their short-term survival. Or decline to participate in his worldwide program, ensuring total exclusion from society and the world’s wrath.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Nonfiction
The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes outstanding nonfiction books that demonstrate exceptional quality in writing, research, and presentation. This award is dedicated to authors who excel in creating informative, enlightening, and engaging works that offer valuable insights. Recipients of this award are commended for their ability to transform complex topics into accessible and compelling narratives that captivate readers and enhance our understanding.
Award Recipients
System Upon Systems in the Bible by William OuYang
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
SET FREE
The existence of God is a subject that has been, and likely always will be, the focus of ongoing debate. It’s a question that neither logic nor evidence can definitively answer, leaving room for endless discussion. Yet, attempting to persuade someone of either side often proves fruitless. Belief in God, for many, is rooted not in rational argument but in a profound, immovable conviction. It’s these true believers who often navigate life with a clarity and purpose that those without a connection to the divine may find elusive.
In SET FREE, Sharon Crick explores this very idea through her deeply personal and inspiring journey. As both author and protagonist, she opens up about the many trials she has faced, while also sharing the story of her husband, Brian, a central figure in her life for over forty years. Crick recounts Brian’s turbulent upbringing in apartheid-era South Africa, where he battled addiction, spent time in a reformatory, and had run-ins with violent gangs. Her own experiences, though different, have been equally fraught with challenges. While one might attribute their meeting to mere chance, Crick makes it clear that she sees their union as divinely orchestrated.
Though a relatively short read, SET FREE is filled with emotional depth. Crick’s story, and that of her husband, resonate with themes of redemption, faith, and resilience. The love they share and their unwavering connection to a higher power are the anchors that have guided them through life’s many hardships. Even for those who don’t share their beliefs, the narrative offers something universally relatable: the power of love, commitment, and the search for meaning.
In the end, Sharon Crick’s memoir transcends the boundaries of faith. A truly compelling story, as this one proves to be, speaks to readers regardless of their spiritual inclinations. SET FREE is one such tale—heartfelt, sincere, and undeniably moving.
Pages: 146 | ISBN : 978-1923087323
System Upon Systems in the Bible
System Upon Systems in the Bible, by William OuYang, offers a reflective and detailed examination of how the Bible connects various aspects of Christian life and thought through interconnected “systems.” The book spans multiple areas, from analyzing human rights in light of biblical teachings to exploring complex theological issues such as the shift in worship practices from the Old Testament to the New. Through scripture references, personal anecdotes, and practical applications, the author unpacks the systems that, according to him, shape both the divine and human experience. It is written in two parts, each exploring distinct biblical themes, with questions and outlines provided for group discussions, making it suitable for educational or study settings.
The writing presents a heartfelt exploration of various topics, though it covers a wide range of themes within each chapter. For instance, in Chapter 1, OuYang discusses Philippians 2 and reflects on how Jesus relinquished His divine rights out of love for humanity. This theme is significant, but the inclusion of a list of 39 human rights may seem broad compared to the central biblical text. Examples such as animal rights and capital punishment are introduced alongside the main theme, creating a diverse range of topics within the chapter.
The chapter on contentment stood out to me as one of the book’s strongest. OuYang contrasts contentment with the materialism and dissatisfaction that plague modern life, using vivid examples of famous individuals who, despite their wealth, lived discontented lives. I resonated with his mention of Amy Winehouse and other celebrities who tragically ended their lives despite apparent success. His blend of scripture and contemporary examples effectively communicated the timeless lesson that joy cannot be bought.
The concept of “systems” itself was a fascinating framework throughout the book. I often felt that the connections were implied rather than explicitly developed. The questions for reflection at the end of each chapter are helpful and guide the reader toward applying these insights in real life, which I found very effective.
Chapter 8 was intellectually engaging for me, as it explores the shift in God’s presence from the Old Testament to the New Testament in a way that felt both thought-provoking and insightful. OuYang’s explanation of how God’s relationship with humanity evolved was presented with clarity and depth. I enjoyed how the chapter traced these changes through scripture. It made me reflect on the continuity of God’s plan throughout the Bible. The blend of theology and practical application in this chapter was both enlightening and relatable.
I recommend System Upon Systems in the Bible to those looking for a contemplative study guide that weaves together theology, personal reflection, and practical lessons. I think it’s especially suitable for small groups or church study classes, where the open-ended discussions could make the abstract connections clearer. Overall, it’s a passionate work that presents biblical principles in a way that invites both introspection and discussion.
INVISIBLE FORCES: Recognizing The Weapons Of Our Enemy and How To Resist Them
Do you really know who the devil is? In Invisible Forces, James Rondinone sets out to unveil the devil’s true identity and significance. The book delves into biblical passages, weaving together stories from both past and present. Its goal? To enlighten Christians and shield them from the devil’s deceptions. Expect a range of fascinating tales: the rise and fall of Lance Armstrong and the saga of Elizabeth Holmes. But James goes beyond Earth’s history, investigates where the devil was originally created, and explores his divine purpose. Through these insightful pages, readers will grasp why the anointed Cherub fell, learn how Christians can combat the devil’s weapons, and absorb other valuable biblical teachings.
Middle Ages insights in a book about the devil just scratch the surface of the book’s diverse and captivating topics. It’s intriguing to discover that, until the Middle Ages, the goat had little association with demonology. The book is a treasure trove of rich information from various sources, such as Jeffrey Burton Russell’s The Devil: Perceptions of Evil from Antiquity to Primitive Christianity. It explores several biblical passages. The author analyzes the words in certain verses to shed new light on their messages. As James explores the concept of the devil, he shares his personal perspectives. This allows readers to see how the messages influence his thoughts. All of this makes for an immersive experience. I appreciated that the chapters are titled as questions. Throughout the book, numerous queries are posed and answered. It feels interactive and engaging.
Invisible Forces offers profound, logical, and educational resources that help readers understand the devil’s workings and enable them to evade his traps. It provides messages for drawing closer to God and succeeding in the heavenly race.
Pages: 151 | ASIN : B0D6XKV3G9
The Search for God
In Death of a Blue Jay, a man is forced to face his inner demons as he learns to embrace life’s nuances and rediscovers his own faith. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for my story was based on a trip to Bar Harbor, Maine. My friend and I were not cognizant of the time on one hike and we found ourselves trying to hike back after sunset in the darkness. This experience helped me understand how life is hard and we all have a “dark path” to follow to reconcile past traumas or mistakes. The issue is it is hard to face this reality so most people tend to mask their obligations and distract themselves with comfort. Along the process, there is humility involved and a reliance on a higher power above ourselves.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing, or did it come out organically as you were writing?
I planned the very beginning and ending of the novel before writing and also established the main themes throughout the novel. I started writing the book with the scene from the very middle of the novel and organically the tone and direction developed as I was writing from the beginning to the end.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Some themes that were important for me to explore in this book were mortality, morality, and the search for God.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from Jeremy’s story?
Charity is an essential call for all of us in life and we must be realistic with our mental health and reconcile any past traumas before giving joy to others because otherwise we are left confused, stuck, and selfish!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
This book has received recognition from:
International Impact Book Awards (May 2024) under Christian Fantasy.
2nd Quarter 2024 Firebird Book Award Winner- Christian Fiction (1st Place) and Religious Fiction (2nd place)
In D’Souza’s “Death of a Blue Jay“, Jeremy Martin goes through a supernatural experience of ups and downs and understands that there is value even when we fall because there will be new lessons gained for future use of wisdom.
In the fictional world of ROB-RAH-RATS, Jeremy is forced to face his unconscious mind, where his deepest secrets are revealed; and where he must face his inner demons and build virtue to ultimately return to the real world and fulfill a final act of charity. D’Souza shares contemplation and the allegory of certain objects to give the reader a new perspective on the value of living by eyes of faith rather than simply by eyes of sight.
