The Kingdom of God Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

About the Book

Book: The Kingdom of God: Our life with Jesus the King

Author: John Avery

Genre: Christian Devotional, non-fiction

Release date: March 1, 2023

What is the kingdom of God? Many people only vaguely understand (or misunderstand) it. Is it a future heavenly existence where the nicest dreams come true and nightmares are miraculously purged? After all, it is sometimes called the kingdom of heaven. Perhaps we dismiss it as an irrelevant ideal. Pastors typically prioritize topics like salvation, grace, eternal life, faith, and prayer. Yet, the kingdom was central to the messages of John the Baptist, Jesus, Paul, and other New Testament writers. Their words and behavior show that the kingdom theme is the framework uniting those topics and the entire mission of Jesus and His followers.

God’s kingdom centers on the King. It’s a life journey shared with other kingdom subjects.

This collection of 38 short pieces (2-3 pages each) explores vital questions like:

• How well do we understand Jesus’ view of the kingdom of God?
• What did Jesus mean when He spoke of being in (or outside of) the kingdom?
• Does the kingdom make any difference to our lives right now? Should it?
• Will the kingdom grow automatically, or do we have a part to play?

These pieces can be read quickly; they’re relaxed too—but think carefully and deeply.

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

John Avery is the author of The Name Quest: Explore the Names of God to Grow in Faith and Get to Know Him Better (Morgan James Publishing, 2015). The Name Quest won the 2016 Oregon Christian Writers’ Cascade Award for nonfiction. A compilation of short pieces, The Questions of Jesus, was published in 2022.

John is a trained teacher with over thirty years’ experience as a Bible teaching pastor, small group leader, missionary, and disciple maker. He has lived in England, Israel, Africa, and the Caribbean, ministering with Youth With A Mission (YWAM), international student ministry, and local churches. He and his wife, Janet, now make their home in Oregon. John likes to hike, snowshoe, and cross-country ski. John writes short, thought-provoking Bible devotionals at www.BibleMaturity.com many of which will be compiled into books like this one. He maintains a comprehensive resource for all the names of God at www.NamesForGod.net.

More from John

This book is a collection of short devotional pieces. They’re relaxed, but they challenge the reader to think carefully too. What is the kingdom of God? What does it mean for our lives?

Many people only vaguely understand (or misunderstand) the kingdom of God. Is it a future heavenly existence where the nicest dreams come true and nightmares are miraculously purged? After all, it is sometimes called the kingdom of heaven. Perhaps we dismiss it as an irrelevant ideal. Pastors typically prioritize topics like salvation, grace, eternal life, faith, and prayer. Yet, the kingdom was a priority for Jesus.

God’s kingdom centers on the King. It’s a life journey shared with other kingdom subjects.

The pieces explore vital questions like:

• How well do we understand Jesus’ view of the kingdom of God?
• What did Jesus mean when He spoke of being in (or outside of) the kingdom?
• Does the kingdom make any difference to our lives right now? Should it?
• Will the kingdom grow automatically, or do we have a part to play?

Author Interview

When/how did you decide to become a writer?

In a way, it just happened. I preached a series about the names of God. As I researched it, I realized that the existing books selected just a few names and dealt with them in a fairly academic way. Very few teachers seemed to answer the questions about why God revealed so many names and how knowing Him by those names helps us. The big theme through the names in the Bible is that He reveals Himself so that we can have relationship with Him and our faith increases as we know Him. So, I gradually developed my material and it became a book, and I became a writer.

Which author has most influenced your own writing?

Probably CS Lewis.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Almost every piece in my devotional works begins in my own times with Him and reading the Bible. I might check what I sense against commentaries or reference works sometimes, but the main message comes from those times with Him. Because they are short, they require little plotting. My first book, The Name Quest: explore the names of God to grow in faith and get to know Him better, required a lot of careful plotting and considerable rearranging after that. But it is 300 pages and covers a lot more ground.

Do you have a favorite or special place to write?

I write in my office/library. It is quiet and I can focus. Often, I develop ideas as I walk or work.

What are your hobbies?

I am a hiker. I love to be out in the mountains or desert. Summer hiking, winter cross-country skiing. The further into wilderness, the better.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Write, write, write. Don’t try to perfect it until later. Join a critique group of people who can give honest and helpful feedback and encouragement.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 10

Blossoms and Blessings, March 11 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 12

Splashes of Joy, March 13 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 14

Guild Master, March 15 (Author Interview)

Vibrant Wings by Valerie, March 15

deb’s Book Review, March 16

A Reader’s Brain, March 17 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, March 18

For the Love of Literature, March 19 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 20

Spoken from the Heart, March 21 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 21

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 22

Artistic Nobody, March 23

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, John is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/24b78/the-kingdom-of-god-celebration-tour-giveaway

Donkey Devos Review and GIVEAWAY!

About the Book

Book: Donkey Devos: Listen When God Speaks

Author: Susan K. Stewart

Genre: Devotional

Release date: July 15, 2021

Did you know the Bible mentions only two talking animals? Each of these creatures had a different message. The first to speak out was the serpent. This character certainly wasn’t a model. If God was using this snake for a test drive, I can see why he kept the mouths of the other animals closed. This snake in the grass spoke words meant for evil. Later God allowed another animal to speak—the lowly donkey. The beast of burden. This time the animal had words of wisdom.

Susan K. Stewart expected dogs, cats, and the occasional goldfish would be all the pets she’d need—until the day Susan met donkeys at a rescue center. A few years after that fateful visit, three donkeys became part of the Stewart family. Susan soon learned these humble creatures are still messengers of wisdom.

Donkey Devos is a collection of forty pearls Susan has learned from spending time learning about her equine friends and chatting with them. She uses her experiences, donkey facts, and Biblical donkey details to share the truths God has taught. The whole family will delight in the donkey tales with a message from God.

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Susan K. Stewart didn’t expect to become a “donkey whisperer,” as some of her neighbors say. One day God put her in a herd of donkeys, and it was love at first bray. Susan and her husband Bob live in Central Texas with their three dogs, three cats, numerous chickens, and inspiring donkeys. They have three children and six outstanding grandchildren. Susan’s passion is to inspire readers with practical, real-world solutions and a few donkey stories.

More from Susan

I like to say, “I can’t not write.” I’m not even sure what event or who encouraged me to follow this pursuit. I do know my dream was to be a news reporter by day and a ballet dancer at night. God has given me the gift of teaching. I teach through written words.

Lois Lane was my inspiration. Seriously, in my teens I envisioned myself as a news reporter chasing after breaking stories around the world. I met my Superman, and Lois retired. But I began my own writing career with the help of friends and mentors.

Cecil Murphey has been a valued mentor and friend for nearly twenty years. His no-nonsense approach to helping this wanna-be writer pushed me forward to being able to call myself an author. And, Kathy Ide showed me I could be an editor. Her example and friendship have improved my writing as well

I grew up in a traveling family. (I went to fourteen different schools before graduating high school.) Of all the places my family lived, a rural ranch was not one of them. Pet donkeys and surly chickens were not part of my life experience or my bucket list.

Then it happened. I met a donkey nose-to-muzzle and a special bond was created. After my first visit to the Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, I wanted donkey pets. Alas, our property was too small to meet the adoption requirements. When we made the move from California to Texas, donkeys soon became a part of the small ranch.

Caring for the donkeys turned into a friendship. Like all friends, my donkeys and I have had wonderful experiences. These goings-on became the basis for the stories in Donkey Devos: Listen When God Speaks.

I’ve written four books including the award-winning Formatting e-Books for Writers. When I’m not walking and conversing with my donkeys, I tend a vegetable garden, track family history, and read everything from the great American novel to the back of cereal boxes.

My Review

Coming soon!

My rating:

Blog Stops

Girls in White Dresses, August 11

HappyWhenReading, August 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 12

For Him and My Family, August 13

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 15

Cats in the Cradle Blog, August 15

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 16

Inklings and notions, August 17

For the Love of Literature, August 18

Older & Smarter?, August 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 19

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 20

deb’s Book Review, August 21

Texas Book-aholic, August 22

Mary Hake, August 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 23

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize package of $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/112db/donkey-devos-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Man of Purpose and Power Spotlight

About the Book

Book: A Man of Purpose and Power

Author: Dr. Myles Munroe

Genre: RELIGION / Christian Living/Devotional

Release date: June 6, 2021

Best-selling author Dr. Myles Munroe offers daily practical and biblical advice for men. Based on two of his most popular books, Understanding the Purpose and Power of Men and Understanding the Purpose and Power of Women, this 90-day devotional will help you truly understand your God-given purpose and power as a man.

Each day’s reading includes teaching and encouragement, a Scripture reading from both the Old and New Testaments, and a thought for the day to draw you closer to God the Father and His purposes for you. Explore the nature and role of men as God intended, addressing such issues as: What does the Bible really teach about men and women? What does it mean to be male? What are the purpose and design of the man? How is a man uniquely different from a woman? What is a man’s role as a husband and father? What are a man’s sexual needs? How are men and women meant to relate to one another? How can a man build a better life for himself, his family, and the world?

Through this devotional, you can strengthen your relationship with your heavenly Father as you discover how to fulfill your destiny and potential as an integral part of His eternal purposes.

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Dr. Myles Munroe (1954–2014) was an international motivational speaker, best-selling author, educator, leadership mentor, and consultant for government and business. Traveling extensively throughout the world, Dr. Munroe addressed critical issues affecting the full range of human, social, and spiritual development. He was a popular author of more than forty books, including The Power of Character in Leadership, The Purpose and Power of Authority, The Principles and Benefits of Change, Becoming a Leader, The Purpose and Power of the Holy Spirit (formerly titled The Most Important Person on Earth), The Spirit of Leadership, The Principles and Power of Vision, Understanding the Purpose and Power of Prayer, Understanding the Purpose and Power of Women, and Understanding the Purpose and Power of Men. Dr. Munroe was the founder and president of Bahamas Faith Ministries International (BFMI), a multidimensional organization headquartered in Nassau, Bahamas. He was the chief executive officer and chairman of the board of the International Third World Leaders Association, president of the International Leadership Training Institute, and founder and executive producer of a number of radio and television programs aired worldwide.

More from Myles Munroe

Best-selling author Dr. Myles Munroe offers daily practical and biblical advice for men. Through this devotional, you can strengthen your relationship with your heavenly Father as you discover how to fulfill your destiny and potential as an integral part of His eternal purposes.

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, June 17

Artistic Nobody, June 18 (Spotlight)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 19

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 20

Texas Book-aholic, June 21

Simple Harvest Reads, June 22 (Spotlight)

For Him and My Family, June 23

Fiction Book Lover, June 24 (Spotlight)

deb’s Book Review, June 25

For the Love of Literature, June 26 (Spotlight)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 26

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 27

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 28 (Spotlight)

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 29

Blossoms and Blessings, June 30 (Spotlight)

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Whitaker House is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card and a copy of the book!!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10db0/a-man-of-purpose-and-power-celebration-tour-giveaway