Tag Archives: spiritual warfare

The Shift by Melissa Ann Ricks Virtual Book Tours

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About The Book

There is a sense of urgency in the atmosphere as God is transitioning what the world has deemed impossible and unbelievable into the possible and the believable. Don’t be alarmed by the “sudden” moves of God.
Pastor Douglass and his family have been positioned for such a move but because of the dense fog of deception that seems to surround them, some in the Douglass family have created their own beliefs, fabricating their own sense of self; negating the truth, God’s truth, even when truth is staring them in the face. They, like many, are living lives devoid of the knowledge of who they really are and robbing themselves and those they love of their true identity and freedom. Deeply embedded lies from enemy have blinded eyes, impaired hearing and hardened hearts and Angels from the army of God have been deployed. The assignment: the execution of God’s divine design. Dreams, supernatural revelation and actual attacks from man’s ultimate foe will expose all and confirm God’s plan for Xion, Veronica, Zeborah, Bo and Pastor Douglas. Can they handle the truth and surrender? Will the infrastructure of unbelief crumble? The lives of the Douglass family will never be the same and neither will you, because of THE SHIFT !

About The Author

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M. Ann Ricks, (Melissa Ann), is a Christian Fiction novelist residing in Bear, Delaware with her excellent husband and two awesome sons. She is a graduate of Rider University and formerly a national accounts insurance executive. Using Jesus Christ as her example, as He shared many parables, she creates stories with fictional characters that contend with real life issues and inserts the Word of God to communicate the genuine and unfailing love of God while making it abundantly clear that Jesus is the ONLY answer. M. Ann is determined to tell the world how wonderfully awesome Jesus Christ is and can be in our lives if we just allow Him to be. She is honored to be used by God to spread His message with the stories she creates with the leading of the Holy Spirit, knowing that He will provide her with stories and the insight that will lift up the name of Jesus as He promised that if He is lifted up, He will draw all men to Him. She is the author Awesome Wonder: The Gift of Remembrance, The Son and THE BLOOD DONE SIGNED MY NAME.

Book Review by Linda Fegins

Author Melissa Ricks’ awesome and life changing story ,THE SHIFT, is a dynamic ,engaging story that unapologetically is Biblically based, and firmly, yet lovingly points you to follow the ways of Jesus Christ and to lay aside every weight and sin. It is powerful, yet not preachy or doctrinal. It is a story of unconditional love, faith, forgiveness and knowing who you are in Christ. The story and life like characters were engrossing. We observe the spiritual battleground between the Holy Spirit and the enemy who goes around attempting to keep the characters bound to negative lifestyles and in a state of feeling unloved and stuck by using lies,secrets, discouragement, shame, and feelings of self-hatred. We see how the truth of God’s Word, love and prayer works in the lives of people to lead them to Jesus and freeing them of the bondage that has held them captive for years. The story addresses issues that people and the church skirt around.

This was an awesome story of faith and unconditional love with a touch of romance. Ricks powerfully and effectively used the characters to demonstrate how powerful and necessary prayer is and how God responds when we pray sincerely. I loved this story. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and cannot wait to recommend THE SHIFT to my book club.

Social Links:

Website www.mannricks.net
Twitter link: https://twitter.com/Hisblessings4me

Facebook link https://www.facebook.com/pages/M-Ann-Ricks-Literary-Creations-Author-Melissa-Ann-Ricks/33259926513Buy Link Pre-Order on Authors Website:
http://www.mannricks.net/products/default.html

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Describe yourself for our visitors.

Hello Linda! I’m M. Ann Ricks, a woman, redeemed and set free by the life-giving and life-changing blood of Jesus Christ. I’m a wife, mother, Christian Fiction novelist and “Godspirational” speaker, endeavoring to live for Christ ON PURPOSE as a literary vessel, providing Christian literature that will not only entertain but encourage, enlighten, emancipate and prayerfully restore!

How do you find time to connect with God?
Life is most certainly busy for all of us but I have come to realize that I must make time with God a priority. Spending time with Him is a necessity especially for those of us who need to hear from Him to write effectively. Sometimes, I simply sit on the side of my bed and just tell Him how wonderful He is! I thank Him for His protection and the protection over my family. Should mornings not be opportune, I take long showers. I know it seems crazy but I simply stand in the shower. I talk to him briefly, am then quiet immersing myself in the water and His presence and just listen. Time to connect with God is of the essence!

What inspired you to write this book?

So many are believing the lies of the enemy. Although stating that they are Christians, many are still in bondage. They have yet to be delivered from fear, shame, guilt and even rebellion. Jesus is waiting. He hasn’t forgotten about us regardless of how far we’ve strayed and His love is unending. He is an EVER present in the times of our greatest challenge. Hearts have been broken and even hardened as a result of the enemy’s lies. It’s time for the eyes and hearts of the hurt and confused to be opened so that they can truly experience the freedom and power that being a true and unapologetic follower of Christ affords. We need to pray, act and believe that the eyes and hearts of the hurt and confused to be opened so that people can truly experience the freedom and power that being a true and unapologetic follower of Christ affords.

Who are your favorite authors and why?? Favorite books?

J. California Cooper is one of my favorite authors. She is a master storyteller and a writer that succeeds in making the reader an active participant in her stories .The Wake of the Wind written by Ms. Cooper is one of my all time favorite novels. Michele Andrea Bowen is my unofficial literary mentor. I love her and her books as she isn’t afraid of sharing the truth of God’s word! She is a bold sister in Christ! Her approachability, honesty and imagination is a blessing! (Church Folk and Holy Ghost Corner) Frank Peretti is also one of my favorite authors as he truly has the gift to share with his reader what is transpiring in the supernatural. His books have blessed me as they have provided much spiritual insight. (The Oath, Piercing the Darkness)

Tell us about your journey to publication.

Inwardly, I knew that I was not destined to be a “corporate woman” and when my position was eliminated, I had inkling that it was God-ordained, at least for me. Years prior to this event, I’d resolved to reconnect with the Master and sought to draw nigh to Him. I don’t think I would have been able to really hear God if I hadn’t been reconnected to Him. “Tell the world about Me with the words I will give you,” is what I heard. Believing that God would give me the words, I began to write my first book; Awesome Wonder: The Gift of Remembrance. My husband said something that enables me to write with confidence; “If God told you to write, then write, and stand on His promises.” I’m so excited and honored to be used by God to spread His message with the stories that I create. I will continue to do so for as long as He provides me with the stories and the words that will draw all men to Him.

Tell us about your current book?

I’ll let the synopsis peak your interest… There is a sense of urgency in the atmosphere as God is transitioning what the world has deemed impossible and unbelievable into the possible and the believable. Pastor Douglass and his family have been chosen for such a supernatural transition but because of the dense fog of deception that seems to surround them, some in the Douglass family have created their own beliefs, fabricating their own sense of self; negating the truth, God’s truth, even when truth is staring them in the face. They, like many, are living lives devoid of the knowledge of who they really are and robbing themselves and those they love of their true identity and freedom. Deeply embedded lies from enemy have blinded eyes, impaired hearing and hardened hearts and Angels from the army of God have been deployed. Dreams, supernatural revelation and actual attacks from man’s ultimate foe will expose all and confirm God’s plan for Xion, Veronica, Zeborah, Bo and Pastor Douglas. Can they handle the truth and surrender? The lives of the Douglass family will never be the same and neither will you, because of THE SHIFT!”

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

Honestly, as I began to write THE SHIFT, the ideas just started flowing. I’ve always wanted to incorporate the truth of the supernatural into my writing. I want people to see past what they can physically visualize in the “natural”. Knowing that there is underlying spiritual aspect to everything that one may encounter is essential. Believe it or not, I had a totally different premise…. But GOD! He knows what He’s doing and I’m learning to be obedient.  There’s nothing like the HOLY SPIRIT! Each idea for THE SHIFT was a divine whisper.

What valuable lessons do you want readers to learn from your book?

We have the awesome opportunity to be everything God says we are because of Jesus’ unstoppable and unshakable affection towards us. He can fastrack, (hence, THE SHIFT) our lives into ones of true purpose. Lives that will give Him glory! All He desires is a YES!

Where can visitors find you online?

Please feel free to visit my website and, www.mannricks.net. You may find my novels on all online literary establishments. (i.e.: www.amazon.com / www.bn.com). For speaking engagement, Literary Dialogues and book club gatherings, please feel free to contact me directly using: Godsauthor@mannricks.net. I have an Author’s Page on Facebook: M. Ricks Literary Creations.

When did you begin to realize you wanted to write?

I have always enjoyed and had an interest in the art of writing. It was a “hidden love” for many years. Not until the pregnancy of my eldest son did I feel a need to unearth my hidden love and write. When I resolved to reconnect with the Master and sought to draw nigh to Him, did the desire to write become stronger and strangely, to my surprise, an urgent need. I realized that this could be my way of bringing souls into the Kingdom of God. Writing and inserting the word of God can in many cases transport you into the presence of God and that’s what I would love to share with all who read my stories.

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Powerful Prayer to Protect & Bless Your Family- Empower Your Family

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About The Book

School shootings, workplace massacres, record foreclosures and job layoffs. What in the world is going on? We’re at war with a very old and crafty enemy. In this step by step guide you’ll learn how to have victory in every aspect of your life by using the “keys of the Kingdom” and the “weapons of our warfare” to defeat the enemy and live the abundant life Jesus died on the cross for us to have!

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About The Author

After publishing her first nonfiction title, Once I Was Lost, with a traditional publisher in 2006, author Lynda D. Brown decided to create her own independent publishing company and Spoken Word Press was born. In May 2010, Lynda published her first novel, Invisible Enemies, a supernatural thriller with a biblical message. While writing book one, her characters began to take on a life of their own, and Lynda decided to create a series based on the characters in the original book. In August 2011, Seed of Satan: Leah’s Story, book two in the series was published,
In late October of 2010, Lynda created The Author Chat Show, an online podcast for self-published authors to showcase their work. Currently the website has over one hundred and sixty members.

Author giveaway 3 paperbacks, 2 audio books, and 3 e-books. To enter The Bible Trivia go to: https://www.facebook.com/PowerfulPrayer30daychallenge

Review by Linda Fegins

Powerful Prayer to Protect & Bless Your Family book by Author Lynda Brown is power packed with anointed prayer jewels to empower, bless and shield your family from the wiles of the devil. She equips the reader with “The Prayer” that is the premise for her book and shows the reader how to use “the prayer” to strategically pray to protect and bless his or her family. Easy and empowering reading. Lynda Brown’s response to some questions shares how she was led to write this book after she had come under spiritual attack.

Powerful Prayer to Protect & Bless Your Family Book Tour Oct 2013
Interview Questions by Linda Fegins:

Describe yourself for our visitors:
I live in St. Louis MO. I’m divorced and have a 34 year old son, and a beautiful 5 year old grandson. I currently work full time for the local library and I also own Spoken Word Press publishing company and host Author Chat with Lynda D. Brown on blogtalkradio.com on the weekends to help support and promote fellow authors.

How do you find time to connect with God?

Each morning between the hours of 2-3am, I spend time in prayer and ‘command my morning’. I realized how important this was after I purchased a copy of Dr. Cindy Trimm’s Commanding Your Morning book and I also read a passage of scripture before going to bed.

What inspired you to write this book?

I first shared this prayer with a few close friends and co-workers and when they experienced the same blessings and protection that I did, I decided to put it in book.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

I’m a huge fan of Dr. Cindy Trimm, Tananarive Due, Wanda B. Campbell, Shelia E. Lipsey, Victoria Christopher Murray, and Beverly Jenkins. Dr. Cindy Trimm book, Commanding Your Morning taught me how to ‘plant the heavens ‘and tell the universe how I want my day to be. Author Tananarive Due’s books are about the supernatural, and the other authors mention write about life that I can relate to.

Favorite books?

One of my all-time favorite books that I still refer to library patrons and friends looking for a good Christian fiction book is Wanda B. Campbell’s Illusion. It really spoke to me because I have dealt with issues concerning my weight. It made me cry, laugh and shout…great book.

Tell us about your journey to publication.

After living a life involved in the occult, reading tarot cards, creating horoscope charts for clients, chanting, etc., from the age of 16 until 2003, I connected with a Christian friend at work, who finally made me see I was conducting my life in a way that was not pleasing to God. I repented and gave my life back to Him in 2004. I then decided to really get serious and establish a relationship with Jesus, after I read Hosea 4:6 my people are destroyed because of lack of knowledge. I didn’t understand at the time that the scripture was referring to Christians! I believed that many would benefit from my life in the occult, so in 2006, I wrote and published, Once I Was Lost. In the fall of 2006 I began writing the Invisible Enemies Series, a more in-depth fictional account about spiritual warfare. In 2010, when it was finally ready to be published, I decided to start Spoken Word Press and publish the book myself. In 2011, I published book two in the series, Seed of Satan, and I’m currently working on book three. All my books are available in paperback, eBooks and audio.

Tell us about your current book?

Powerful Prayer to Protect & Bless Your Family is just what the title implies. The prayer that I share in this book is a strategic prayer. It covers the prayer that Jesus taught the disciples in Matthew 6, how to plead the blood of Jesus over your loved ones, how to intercede for others, how to set a guard over your mouth since life and death are in the power of the tongue, how to live a life that’s less of you and more of him, and finally, how to pray for God to become a part of everything you’re involved in, and to enlarge your territory.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

Since I write about spiritual warfare, I’ve been under some serious attacks. I began researching prayers that would help me ‘fight back.” Too many Christians don’t know how to fight back when the ‘enemy’ goes on the attack. I sought the Holy Spirit to help me include the information in the book that believers needed to have victory in their lives.

What valuable lessons do you want readers to learn from your book?

When you pray strategically, you learn how to have victory in your life. This book shows you how to use the spiritual keys of the kingdom and the weapons of our warfare to defeat the enemy and live the abundant life that Jesus died for believers to have. I’m a living witness, because I’m living my dreams by writing and publishing my books, and also being a blessing to others.

Connect with the Author
Email Address: spokenwordpress2010@gmail.com
Website www.spokenwordpress.webs.com
Twitter link https://twitter.com/LyndaDBrown
Facebook link https://www.facebook.com/lynda.brown.545?ref=flnm

Buy Links
Amazon paperback: http://tinyurl.com/l99o4hk
Amazon ebook: http://tinyurl.com/meyz6ya
Audio: http://tinyurl.com/kr3rn5v

Author Tour Schedule: http://wnlbooktours.com/lynda-d-brown-2/

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