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Distractions

Jacqui D. Williams Author Interview

Focused for Purpose is a Christian inspirational guide that combines scripture, personal testimony, and spiritual coaching to help readers cultivate a mindset of intentional living for God. Why was this an important book for you to write?

This book was written first as a help to myself, with the hope that it would also help someone else. In all honesty, I was the focus for writing this book. In chapter five the topic was ‘Distractions,’ which are primarily designed by the enemy to pull you away or delay the God-given purpose for your life. In my book, I mentioned how the Holy Spirit guided me through the scriptures and advised me that not only will writing this book help me but anyone who reads it as well who may be battling with distractions. Let’s face it, distractions is not a new or unfamiliar territory that the enemy uses. We have all faced this struggle at some point in our lives. One of the scriptures used in the book is found in 1 Corinthians 10:13, which says, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: This means there is nothing new under the sun that you experience, that someone else has not gone through or will go through. I always want people to know that they are not alone on an island by themselves; and God is always ready to guide you out of whatever circumstance or situation you may find yourself in. God will provide a way of escape, but it is up to us to take it.

I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?

The hardest thing to write about, I would say, is admitting to the fact that after being born-again for over fifty years, I still could have an issue with distractions. I would think after being saved for all these years I would have had this battle well fought. But let me tell you, the moment any one begins to think you have any area in your life taken care of or think that you have somehow arrived because of your many years of walking with God, let me tell you to stop right there. Never boast of where you are in your relationship with God, if you do, this may be your biggest distraction of all. The enemy (Satan) would love for us to think we got this, he wants us to relax in our prayer time, and to slack off from reading God’s Word. I always say, we need to be in the habit of repenting and asking God for forgiveness every day. There is not one day that goes by in a 24-hour period, that we do not either say, do, or think something in a way that does not meet the standards of our Holy God. The problem with some may be that they fail to be honest with God. When you fail to be honest, or come clean with God; you are then opening yourself to succumb to whatever distractions the enemy brings your way. If you cannot be honest with God in the quiet times of prayer, then you will never be free. In John 8:32, it reads, “And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” This is one of the reasons why I give scriptures throughout my writings. Any book can be a help or an encouragement to whomever chooses to read them, but it is only the Word of God that will have the truth and the power of God’s anointing to set you free.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

In this book, I shared what I know has helped me through the years, and that is having a solid foundation in the principles and guidelines from the Word of God. This has been a bedrock for my journey as a believer of Jesus Christ. Whether you have been taught this early in life or in your later years, whenever you are a doer of God’s Word it will help you in whatever you set out to do. To be frank, nothing else can give you the direction that is needed for you to have a life of abundance where you receive the satisfaction that will last throughout your lifetime. Jesus came that we might have life and that we would have it abundantly. The key word here is ‘might,’ which means it is available but you must surrender your life to Jesus, to receive it.

Another point discussed was knowing your circle. I found this to be an important help that can have an impact on how you are influenced. Your circle can influence you in a positive or negative way. This is why you must be diligent in how you maintain the right associations that can help or hinder the outcome for what you want for your life.

I mentioned also the importance of protecting your heart, and committing your ways to the Lord. Protecting your heart is really where it all begins. Our heart is where our life is shaped, it directs our decision making. When we guard our heart by protecting what we see, hear, and allow in our thoughts, we can better control its effects before it produces wrong or negative actions.

Lastly, we must not leave God out. In Proverbs 16:3, (NLT) it reads, “Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.” Here, we see the importance of including God in all we do. As I mentioned in my book, there are many who care nothing about God, and have no desire to include or acknowledge Him in any of their ways, and some of them have plenty of life’s treasures, but are not satisfied nor have the peace that passes all understanding. I will be the first to tell you, that even when you commit your ways to the LORD, this is not a guarantee that everything you do will go your way, sometimes it goes the opposite of what you wanted or thought it should go. But when your trust is in the LORD, you can rest in knowing that God has your best interest in mind and will work all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). Trusting God comes with a peace that the world knows nothing about nor can they take it away from you.

What do you hope is one thing readers take away from Focused for Purpose?

The one thing that I want readers to take away, not only from this book, Focused for Purpose, but every book I write; and that is the importance of having a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ before they leave this earth. This is why I place in the back of every book, the ‘Prayer of Salvation,’ so it is available to anyone who chooses to receive Jesus Christ, but may not know how to go about it or what to say. But to answer the question regarding, Focused for Purpose – I would want readers to be clear on the reason why they were created; and that is to give God the glory with their living. When you do this, God will guide you in the direction that will lead you into fulfilling your God-given purpose.

Author Links: GoodReads

Have you ever wondered, “What is my purpose?” Everyone has a God-given purpose for why they were created; it is the reason why you were born and placed on this earth. In Matthew 25:15, it explains how God gives each person gifts and talents to assist them in their purpose, while Isaiah 43:7 informs us that everyone called by His name has been created for His glory.

Every person at some point has dealt with distractions where it became the enemy to their focus. Distractions can become the stumbling block that prevents you from fulfilling your purpose. However, when we guard our heart, as Solomon speaks about in Proverbs 4:23, we begin to recognize the importance of what God has called us to do.

In this book, Focused for Purpose, I want every reader to know that God has already equipped you with the ability to finish the good work that He has begun in you (Philippians 1:6). Therefore, live your life to glorify God, and He will guide you in the direction necessary to fulfill your purpose.

Focused For Purpose

Jacqui D. Williams’ Focused for Purpose is a Christian inspirational guide that blends scripture, personal testimony, and spiritual coaching. At its heart, this book is about living intentionally for God, discovering the reason we exist, staying focused on it, and filtering distractions through the lens of faith. Each chapter feels like a heartfelt conversation, meant to help readers realign with God’s plan and rediscover their purpose with practical encouragement and biblical truths.

One aspect of Williams’ writing that stood out to me is her clarity and sincerity when addressing the concept of purpose. From the very beginning, she states it unequivocally: “Your purpose is to give God the glory.” There is no ambiguity, no unnecessary elaboration, just a direct and powerful truth. It’s a bold approach, and one that feels both honest and refreshing. Williams does not merely present abstract ideals; she offers her own experiences, including times when she was uncertain about her calling. Even in moments of confusion, she remained committed to keeping God at the center. That level of humility is deeply moving. Her reflections on individuals returning to the altar particularly resonated with me, prompting personal introspection on how easily we tend to complicate what is, at its core, a simple and profound truth.

The section on distractions resonated with me on a deeply personal level. Williams explores how effortlessly we allow people, busyness, and excessive commitments to divert our attention from what truly matters. Her candid discussion about the importance of saying “no” without guilt served as a sobering reminder of the necessity of boundaries. It was both illuminating and affirming. She effectively illustrates that distractions are not inherently negative; rather, they often reflect a misalignment of priorities. The example of Jonah powerfully underscores this idea: God did not revoke His calling despite Jonah’s initial disobedience. That message was both challenging and reassuring, reminding readers of the enduring nature of God’s purpose in our lives.

Williams speaks candidly about the significant impact our relationships have on our mindset and personal growth. Her tone is gracious and respectful, yet unmistakably firm in asserting that the people we surround ourselves with can either propel us forward or hold us back. What I found particularly compelling was her thoughtful balance between spiritual accountability and personal responsibility. She does not encourage blame, but rather urges readers to make intentional, discerning choices about their influences. Her guidance is delivered with both warmth and conviction, much like a trusted mentor offering honest insight with a genuine desire to see others succeed.

Focused for Purpose is not just for Christians trying to figure out their life’s calling. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or like they’re just spinning their wheels. I’d especially recommend it to women of faith who crave both encouragement and a nudge toward discipline. It’s a soulful, practical, deeply personal book, and it’s clear Jacqui D. Williams poured her heart into every page. If you need a reminder that your life matters and you’re made for more, this one’s worth reading.

Pages: 96 | ASIN : B0FCTHR59Z

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My Foundation

Jacqui D. Williams Author Interview

The Importance of Tithes and Offerings emphasizes financial obedience and the sincere conviction behind tithing as a Christian. Why was this an important book for you to write?

For as long as I can remember, this topic of tithes and offerings seems to always spark a question or becomes an issue. Do we have to? Didn’t tithing end back in the Old Testament? Doesn’t God prefer me to take care of my family before taking care of the church? All of these are good questions, and on a human level understandable, but are not biblical. God’s Word is the only source we stand on whenever we have questions or concerns. God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24) How we personally choose to honor God with our finances is up to the individual that I cannot nor anyone else can answer for you. Therefore, for either of us to debate our opinion against each other is useless. This is why I explain in my book that you must decide how you will personally choose to honor God.

Do we have to? If you have to ask why or struggle with the heart to do so; then keep your money. God is not begging for your money, God only wants your heart and He wants a heart that gives cheerfully and not grudgingly.

There may be some who think that tithing ended back in the Old Testament. The only part that ended was the law requirement to do so.

Jesus says, in Matthew 5:17, that he did not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill it. Since we are under grace because of what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross, we now have the freedom to choose. You can choose to tithe or not to tithe, just like you have the choice to serve God or not to serve God. Remember, God does not want robots, He wants each person to freely choose Him with their heart and their money.

When it comes to taking care of your family versus the church? Here again, you cannot compare the two. Saying the church dismisses the true one you should have the focus on giving to and that is God. As I discuss in the book, God is fully aware of our responsibilities and when we take care of God’s house (the church) He will take care of our house. But if you already have the wrong focus in your giving you will not reap the benefit of the blessings. If we find the need to keep going back and forth disputing why we should not tithe or offer, it just further shows our reluctance to trust God with our finances. This reluctance also shows that we do not trust that He is more than able to take care of our family and us through the tough times. But I know, God is able!

Do you view writing as a spiritual practice?

For me it is my foundation, I always say, it is all God through His Holy Spirit whenever I write a book. Otherwise, I will not do it. When I receive a topic in my spirit to write about, I pray and seek the Lord to see if this is something I am hearing from the Holy Spirit or something that I just want to do. If it does not flow from God’s Holy Spirit to me, then it is clear it is not for me to do.

How much and what kind of research did you undertake in order to put your book together?

I would say it came from my experience from tithing and offering for over 30 years, as well as my personal relationship with God for over 50 years. I know nothing by myself, it all comes from spending time with God and by reading His Word daily. It is true what the Word says in John 14:26. The Holy Spirit will bring all things to your rememberance. This is all I need to achieve and complete whatever He directs me to do.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from this book?

I hope readers take away the importance to seek God whenever you have questions or concerns. Tithes and offerings are only one aspect of our personal relationship with God. God wants to be Lord of all areas of our life and not just the areas we decide to pick and choose to let Him in. Anytime you surrender yourself to God, He will give you the peace and understanding you need for every area of your life.


Author Links: Goodreads | Website | Amazon

As we operate in the law, order, and principles of God’s Word, we position ourselves to experience His best. In Malachi 3:10, God says, “and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Giving “tithes and offerings” is serious business, and I believe this is not only a practice for the Old Testament, but for the New Testament, as well as for today. 

We honor God when He is first place in our life. Sowing “tithes and offerings” is especially honorable when it is given from our first fruits and not our last fruits. Proverbs 3:9, says, “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase:” In 1 Corinthians 14:40, it states, “Let all things be done decently and in order.” This lets us know that there is “order” expected even in our giving. 
In this book, I address whether “tithes and offerings” is a practice that should be honored today, and if so, what is the order according to God’s Word. I also discuss what I have learned through my life experiences, that has proven to me, obedience to God’s Word is far better than sacrifice. (1 Samuel 15:22)


The Importance of Tithes and Offerings

Jacqui D. Williams’ The Importance of Tithes and Offerings is a heartfelt and deeply personal exploration of biblical giving. The book lays out the spiritual and practical reasons for tithing, emphasizing that it is not merely an obligation but an act of faith and love toward God. Williams combines scripture, personal stories, and practical advice to make her case, drawing from both the Old and New Testaments. She argues that giving should come from a place of devotion rather than duty, and she shares how financial obedience has shaped her own spiritual journey. The book also touches on common debates about whether tithing is relevant today, ultimately urging readers to honor God with their resources as a demonstration of trust.

One thing I appreciated about this book is its sincerity. Williams writes with conviction and passion, making it clear that this is not just theology for her—it’s personal. She shares how her mother and sister influenced her giving habits, and she openly talks about the period in her life when she struggled with tithing. Her transparency makes the book relatable, especially when she describes how prioritizing bills over God led to financial and spiritual struggles. She doesn’t just throw scriptures at the reader; she walks you through them, explaining how they’ve played out in her life. Take Malachi 3:10, for example—the famous passage about bringing tithes into the storehouse. Williams doesn’t just use it to tell readers what they should do; she explains how she tested God in this area and saw blessings unfold in unexpected ways.

The book leans on personal conviction. While Williams acknowledges that tithing is not a requirement under New Testament grace, she firmly believes in its importance. The writing style is conversational and easy to read, but certain points are hammered home multiple times in different ways. If someone is struggling with the idea of tithing or wondering if it still applies today, her arguments are clear, persuasive, and rooted in scripture.

I’d recommend this book to Christians who want to deepen their understanding of giving, particularly those who are uncertain about tithing or struggling to be consistent with it. If you want a personal, encouraging take on why giving matters and how it can change your faith, Williams delivers. Her passion for the topic is evident.

Pages: 38 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0984PBJ23

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Daily Communication With God

Jacqui D. Williams Author Interview

God Is Speaking to You offers readers heartfelt encouragement for those seeking clarity in their exploration of Christianity. Why was this an important book for you to write?

Throughout my journey as a born-again Christian, I have often heard this question, ‘How do I know when God is speaking to me?” I knew in my spirit that this was a question that only through the Holy Spirit of God did I want to try my best to answer; and that way is based on my own personal experiences. I knew that it was not something that would happen overnight, but over time well spent with God. Which can only happen by reading the Word of God and daily communication (prayer) with God.

What was your biggest challenge in putting this guide together for readers?

I would say my biggest challenge in putting this book or any book (guide) together would be that I maintain accuracy as I relate my story to the Word of God. I always want to make sure that what I share is backed and followed up with scripture. I would tell anyone when it comes to the Word of God always do your own research. If you cannot find it in God’s Word then do not believe it and please do not follow it.
As Paul said in the scripture, 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow me as I follow Christ.”

What is one thing you hope readers are able to take away from your book?

The importance of having a personal relationship with the one and only true God of all Creation, and the importance and need to accept and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour.

Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?

First question, is yes and actually God Is Speaking to You, is my third book, I already have four other books that have been published and are available for purchase:

How Do I Know I Am Really Saved?
The Importance of Tithes and Offerings
God Is Speaking to You
Life after Death: Heaven and Hell Are Real Places

I currently have in publication my fifth book, which is titled – Focused for Purpose, and I hope to have this released by late Spring or early Summer.


Author Links: Goodreads | Website | The Importance of Tithes and Offerings | How Do I Know I Am Really Saved | Life After Death | Amazon

The world and all that is within heaven and earth were first brought into existence by the spoken Word of God. We can change our situations and circumstances when we speak God’s Word in faith. One example of this is when the centurion spoke to Jesus in Matthew 8:8, saying, “LORD, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.” 
Throughout our life, we can see examples of God’s spoken Word that brought forth life to our dead situations, healing to our sick bodies, and restoration in our broken relationships. Even during some of our hardest and most difficult times of hurt, pain, disappointments, and devastation, we as children of God can testify that there is evidence where God still used something from that pain to turn it around for our good and in our favor (Romans 8:28).
In this book, God Is Speaking to You, I want readers to be open to hearing what the Spirit of the Lord is speaking to their hearts as it relates to their individual walk with God. God is always speaking to us in some way, and we want to be sensitive to recognize and know when it is the voice of God (John 10:4–5). When we spend quality time in His presence, there will be no doubt that we will be able to identify the difference between the voice of God and a stranger.

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

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