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Kingdom Come: Finding Holy in the Here and Now
Here and Now encourages readers who are disillusioned by life that God is present and meaning exists in all they do. The divine presence and the Kingdom of God is at hand.
Have you ever looked at your life and wondered, "Is this it?" After a childhood of being promised the future is bright, it's difficult to see meaning and purpose as you trudge through your everyday adulthood obligations. Expectations are unmet, hope fades, and disappointment in relationships and careers leaves you longing for better while living broken.
But there is hope: the Kingdom and presence of God are happening here and now. And experiencing them changes everything. God's divine kingdom can be found in your workplace, classroom, and around the dinner table with friends. He is present in empty apartments and when the phone rings with devastating news. His nearness can be felt even when you are heartbroken, anxious, or unsure.
As you experience the inevitable pain of finding your way, this book will help you realize you aren't alone and encourage you through the narrative of Scripture. You can replace your restlessness with the reality that God's presence is constant--Here and Now.
Have you ever looked at your life and wondered, "Is this it?" After a childhood of being promised the future is bright, it's difficult to see meaning and purpose as you trudge through your everyday adulthood obligations. Expectations are unmet, hope fades, and disappointment in relationships and careers leaves you longing for better while living broken.
But there is hope: the Kingdom and presence of God are happening here and now. And experiencing them changes everything. God's divine kingdom can be found in your workplace, classroom, and around the dinner table with friends. He is present in empty apartments and when the phone rings with devastating news. His nearness can be felt even when you are heartbroken, anxious, or unsure.
As you experience the inevitable pain of finding your way, this book will help you realize you aren't alone and encourage you through the narrative of Scripture. You can replace your restlessness with the reality that God's presence is constant--Here and Now.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published August 6, 2019
9 people are currently reading
747 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Zaldivar
3 books47 followersMelissa Zaldivar holds a Master’s Degree in Theology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. As a freelance writer, she has told the story of Jesus in contexts from Bible studies to articles with a voice that is young and honest. Walking through intense experiences throughout her life, she has learned that God is constantly present, even during the darkest of seasons and hopes to share that hope with her readers. She’s the founder of Camping Out, a blog that wrestles with the intersection of theology and the ordinary. She lives in Boston, MA.
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August 9, 2019
Our days often feel ordinary and ho hum. Sometimes it is hard to see God working in the midst of our ordinary lives. Melissa Zaldivar in Kingdom Come shares how we can find God's presence throughout our life today. He has not left us alone but we may need to look around to see Him at work.
Kingdom Come is a mix of Scripture and Zalidvar's personal experiences as she shares how she has found God working in her life through her experiences and the people she does life with. She helps us tell the difference between the temporary circumstances in our lives and the eternal.
Zaldivar's writing in Kingdom Come reads like getting together with an old friend. She seems to share intimately and from her heart throughout the book. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book when I got it, however I found I could relate to a lot of what she shared. She hooked me early in the book when she shared about how Steve Saint, son of Nate Saint, famous missionary martyred in the Amazon spoke at her college chapel and shared how God is good even through the hard things. I met Marge Saint, Steve's mother, as a young Christian and was influenced by her faith too. From there on, I felt like she was a bit of a kindred spirit. Zaldivar tells several hard stories from her own life and she shares some of the hard things that people in the Bible faced and how God was with them through it all. I found this book to be both quietly uplifting and encouraging. I would encourage you to read Kingdom Come and see if you can relate to Zaldivar too.
I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions are my own. #sponsored by Faithwords
Kingdom Come is a mix of Scripture and Zalidvar's personal experiences as she shares how she has found God working in her life through her experiences and the people she does life with. She helps us tell the difference between the temporary circumstances in our lives and the eternal.
Zaldivar's writing in Kingdom Come reads like getting together with an old friend. She seems to share intimately and from her heart throughout the book. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book when I got it, however I found I could relate to a lot of what she shared. She hooked me early in the book when she shared about how Steve Saint, son of Nate Saint, famous missionary martyred in the Amazon spoke at her college chapel and shared how God is good even through the hard things. I met Marge Saint, Steve's mother, as a young Christian and was influenced by her faith too. From there on, I felt like she was a bit of a kindred spirit. Zaldivar tells several hard stories from her own life and she shares some of the hard things that people in the Bible faced and how God was with them through it all. I found this book to be both quietly uplifting and encouraging. I would encourage you to read Kingdom Come and see if you can relate to Zaldivar too.
I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions are my own. #sponsored by Faithwords
September 8, 2019
I'd picked up Melissa Zaldivar's new release "Kingdom Come" precisely because of the quote by JJ Heller, whose music I love and whose social media accounts I follow, as Heller has seldom steered me wrong when searching for meaningful supports and inspiration within the world of faith-based literature, music, and media.
I have to admit, however, that I struggled quite a bit with "Kingdom Come," a book by a new author who seems to be finding her literary voice and whose writing here seems caught somewhere between a lot of the contemporary Christian female voices writing today and something along the lines of a more theologically-centered discussion on the Kingdom of God and Presence of God.
Part of my concern with "Kingdom Come" is that Zaldivar writes with a lot of generalities. We learn very little about her in the book. We learn very little about her faith journey. Even in her bio on the book's cover, we essentially learn that she graduated from Gordon-Conwell Seminary and is a freelance writer.
That's pretty much it.
If someone's going to take me along on a journey where I'm supposed to accept their advice and/or expertise, a relationship needs to be built. "Kingdom Come," at least for me, never really builds that relationship. There's some decent stories along the way. I also think Zaldivar has an obvious theological basis from where she works - those who prefer a wealth of Scripture in these types of books should be happy with Zaldivar's approach. However, I had a very difficult time relating to anything in "Kingdom Come" and that limited the material's potential impact. Zaldivar writes a lot about a therapist - I think that's a great example. If you go to a therapist, you build a relationship with that therapist and over time you begin to trust their ability to help guide your life. An awful lot of "Kingdom Come" feels like Zaldivar saying "I can't believe I'm writing a book."
The biggest issue for me with "Kingdom Come" was this - quite simply, by the time I finished the relatively quick read I found myself wondering "What was this really all about?" I thought to myself "Sure, there were some intellectual indicators, but really...what was this about?" I had a hard time discerning what I was supposed to take away from the book even though, theoretically, it's right there in the title.
Quite honestly, that's not what I got out of "Kingdom Come."
This may sound overly negative, and it's certainly not meant that way, but I'm actually not sure what I did get out of "Kingdom Come." I don't regret reading it. I enjoyed parts of it and I found the energy and encouraging nature of Zaldivar's writing a positive experience. While she's likely considerably younger than I am, I found myself thinking "I bet we'd have a great chat." I simply didn't really connect with the material here.
There were other positives.
I suppose it shouldn't matter, but I kind of think it does and it's kind of unique for faith-based writers. As near as I can tell Zaldiver is single and without a family. It seems like faith-based publishers have long given more attention to married male or female writers with a family (or beyond the age of having children). It's rather refreshing to have a young, single voice who speaks with some spiritual authority and a seminary foundation.
You also get the sense that Zaldivar is incredibly early in her career, perhaps a bit too early to have warranted a book, and it's going to be fun to watch her grow in terms of literary voice and in how she defines her growing ministry. While there's a little bit of negative in here in terms of how the stories are ultimately written, there's something refreshing about a new voice saying "Hey, I'm still figuring out this stuff myself. Here's what I'm doing and why I'm doing it."
I think where the newness kind of backfires is simply that sometimes Zaldivar writes from some insecurity. I don't think it's intended as insecurity, but that's how it struck me. I think, for example, when she basically writes that, and this is paraphrased, "My first real ministry job was last year," then that leaves me thinking "Then why are you writing a book?" I think this falls back to the tonal inconsistencies - I think if the book had been primarily testimonial, it would have been less noticeable. However, because Zaldivar does write from a place of expertise much of the time then maybe that expertise needs to be more reflected. This doesn't mean you need to have years of experience or otherworldly achievements. It does mean, just perhaps, you shouldn't diss yourself so much when you're trying to get me to trust your expertise.
For me, I suppose, it comes down to this simple opinion. "Kingdom Come" is a promising book by a promising new author. Melissa Zaldivar is still figuring out her distinct literary voice, though I'm confident she has one and actually will find that voice. There's much to appreciate here, though my sense is that "Kingdom Come" will most resonate with young adults who will appreciate Zaldivar's fresh, unwavering, knowledge-based voice that also offers a richness of authenticity and not the usual "I'm the expert. Listen to me." approach offered by some of today's contemporary Christian writers.
I contemplated a 2-star rating, but that's too low. I may not have gotten a ton out of the book, but I think "Kingdom Come" will reach people and has some material that will reach younger adults. For those of us who've lived, perhaps, more complex lives (or traumatic, or who simply have more stories to tell) it will feel rather fundamental or even simple.
But, it's better than 2-stars. I briefly contemplated a 4-star, because I see lots of promise here. Ultimately, I had enough concerns about the book that I simply couldn't go a 4-star. So, 3-stars it is because I can give the book a recommendation and judging from some of the reviews here on Goodreads it's definitely connecting with an audience that appreciates Zaldivar's voice.
I look forward to reading her future works and am anxious to watch her journey with this one.
I have to admit, however, that I struggled quite a bit with "Kingdom Come," a book by a new author who seems to be finding her literary voice and whose writing here seems caught somewhere between a lot of the contemporary Christian female voices writing today and something along the lines of a more theologically-centered discussion on the Kingdom of God and Presence of God.
Part of my concern with "Kingdom Come" is that Zaldivar writes with a lot of generalities. We learn very little about her in the book. We learn very little about her faith journey. Even in her bio on the book's cover, we essentially learn that she graduated from Gordon-Conwell Seminary and is a freelance writer.
That's pretty much it.
If someone's going to take me along on a journey where I'm supposed to accept their advice and/or expertise, a relationship needs to be built. "Kingdom Come," at least for me, never really builds that relationship. There's some decent stories along the way. I also think Zaldivar has an obvious theological basis from where she works - those who prefer a wealth of Scripture in these types of books should be happy with Zaldivar's approach. However, I had a very difficult time relating to anything in "Kingdom Come" and that limited the material's potential impact. Zaldivar writes a lot about a therapist - I think that's a great example. If you go to a therapist, you build a relationship with that therapist and over time you begin to trust their ability to help guide your life. An awful lot of "Kingdom Come" feels like Zaldivar saying "I can't believe I'm writing a book."
The biggest issue for me with "Kingdom Come" was this - quite simply, by the time I finished the relatively quick read I found myself wondering "What was this really all about?" I thought to myself "Sure, there were some intellectual indicators, but really...what was this about?" I had a hard time discerning what I was supposed to take away from the book even though, theoretically, it's right there in the title.
Quite honestly, that's not what I got out of "Kingdom Come."
This may sound overly negative, and it's certainly not meant that way, but I'm actually not sure what I did get out of "Kingdom Come." I don't regret reading it. I enjoyed parts of it and I found the energy and encouraging nature of Zaldivar's writing a positive experience. While she's likely considerably younger than I am, I found myself thinking "I bet we'd have a great chat." I simply didn't really connect with the material here.
There were other positives.
I suppose it shouldn't matter, but I kind of think it does and it's kind of unique for faith-based writers. As near as I can tell Zaldiver is single and without a family. It seems like faith-based publishers have long given more attention to married male or female writers with a family (or beyond the age of having children). It's rather refreshing to have a young, single voice who speaks with some spiritual authority and a seminary foundation.
You also get the sense that Zaldivar is incredibly early in her career, perhaps a bit too early to have warranted a book, and it's going to be fun to watch her grow in terms of literary voice and in how she defines her growing ministry. While there's a little bit of negative in here in terms of how the stories are ultimately written, there's something refreshing about a new voice saying "Hey, I'm still figuring out this stuff myself. Here's what I'm doing and why I'm doing it."
I think where the newness kind of backfires is simply that sometimes Zaldivar writes from some insecurity. I don't think it's intended as insecurity, but that's how it struck me. I think, for example, when she basically writes that, and this is paraphrased, "My first real ministry job was last year," then that leaves me thinking "Then why are you writing a book?" I think this falls back to the tonal inconsistencies - I think if the book had been primarily testimonial, it would have been less noticeable. However, because Zaldivar does write from a place of expertise much of the time then maybe that expertise needs to be more reflected. This doesn't mean you need to have years of experience or otherworldly achievements. It does mean, just perhaps, you shouldn't diss yourself so much when you're trying to get me to trust your expertise.
For me, I suppose, it comes down to this simple opinion. "Kingdom Come" is a promising book by a promising new author. Melissa Zaldivar is still figuring out her distinct literary voice, though I'm confident she has one and actually will find that voice. There's much to appreciate here, though my sense is that "Kingdom Come" will most resonate with young adults who will appreciate Zaldivar's fresh, unwavering, knowledge-based voice that also offers a richness of authenticity and not the usual "I'm the expert. Listen to me." approach offered by some of today's contemporary Christian writers.
I contemplated a 2-star rating, but that's too low. I may not have gotten a ton out of the book, but I think "Kingdom Come" will reach people and has some material that will reach younger adults. For those of us who've lived, perhaps, more complex lives (or traumatic, or who simply have more stories to tell) it will feel rather fundamental or even simple.
But, it's better than 2-stars. I briefly contemplated a 4-star, because I see lots of promise here. Ultimately, I had enough concerns about the book that I simply couldn't go a 4-star. So, 3-stars it is because I can give the book a recommendation and judging from some of the reviews here on Goodreads it's definitely connecting with an audience that appreciates Zaldivar's voice.
I look forward to reading her future works and am anxious to watch her journey with this one.
August 24, 2019
This is a good book for millennials or young adults wondering about Christianity and what it means. It is also good for young Christians wondering about their life and faith. Zaldivar writes of her own experiences and struggles with the meaning of faith and the reality of the Kingdom of God and His presence. She shares the lessons she has learned so far in her three decades of life.
She encourages us to train our eyes to see the Kingdom of God. It is often right before us but we have no idea what we are looking for. Her chapter on the presence of God was well written and is good for readers who have been disappointed in God, feeling He was absent during a painful time. I appreciate Zaldivar's encouragement to trust God even when we do not understand the mystery of His actions.
This book is good for millennials because it deals with the kind of faith relationships and struggles they experience. Zaldivar is much more relational in her faith than my baby boomer generation was. She shares many stories from her decade of counseling sessions, for example. Counseling is something my generation would not have even admitted to experiencing.
This book is also good for older readers to understand the faith life of younger Christians. Zaldivar writes she is of a “generation that was told that adventure and hype were the only way to do your faith.” (1865/2208) Reading this book helped me, a senior citizen, understand much better how young people are exercising their faith today.
Food for thought: “Everything in this life boils down to Kingdom and Presence.” (208/2208)
I received a complimentary uncorrected egalley of this book from the publisher. Quotes I have given may have been changed in the final edition of the book. My comments are an independent and honest review.
She encourages us to train our eyes to see the Kingdom of God. It is often right before us but we have no idea what we are looking for. Her chapter on the presence of God was well written and is good for readers who have been disappointed in God, feeling He was absent during a painful time. I appreciate Zaldivar's encouragement to trust God even when we do not understand the mystery of His actions.
This book is good for millennials because it deals with the kind of faith relationships and struggles they experience. Zaldivar is much more relational in her faith than my baby boomer generation was. She shares many stories from her decade of counseling sessions, for example. Counseling is something my generation would not have even admitted to experiencing.
This book is also good for older readers to understand the faith life of younger Christians. Zaldivar writes she is of a “generation that was told that adventure and hype were the only way to do your faith.” (1865/2208) Reading this book helped me, a senior citizen, understand much better how young people are exercising their faith today.
Food for thought: “Everything in this life boils down to Kingdom and Presence.” (208/2208)
I received a complimentary uncorrected egalley of this book from the publisher. Quotes I have given may have been changed in the final edition of the book. My comments are an independent and honest review.
July 31, 2019
Sitting down with this book is like sitting down with a good friend for heart-warming yet thought provoking conversation on how to view our life here on earth in light of "kingdom of God". I turned each page because I was absorbed in the relatability of Melissa's words. This concept of the "kingdom" is accessible to us here on earth...it's laid out so beautifully in scripture and played out so perfectly by God's creation. I am only half-way through and felt compelled to write this review right now so you wouldn't miss grabbing this book today. It will make you laugh with her all too relatable comparisons, it will make you cry with joy at the beauty of what God has so intentionally created, it will challenge you to think deeply about your role here on earth, and it will change your perspective on how you view the concept of holiness. I can't wait to share this again with more friends and dig in together. You've created a BEAUTIFUL and IMPORTANT conversation, Melissa. Thank you! - Maria G.
August 25, 2019
Kingdom Come is a fantastic book that reminds readers the presence of the Lord is with them where ever they go if they choose to let him into their lives. God is ever present in all areas of our lives, but we need to allow Him in. He isn't hiding, but His presence is constant. I love how when I pressed into the book Melissa specifically wrote about how the enemy is the father of lies, that he isn't passive, but he will try to go after us with fears, lies and that might often keep us from proclaiming the Kingdom around us. This served as a great reminder because the Kingdom of God is a gut instinct that we learn to listen to over time and I love that she points this out. This book is a great read and I highly recommend you picking up a copy. I could read it again.
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July 26, 2019Melissa makes the book relatable and walks you through what it looks like to really be present in the Kingdom of Hod right now. This books is a great read and the stories of her life that she ties into the Bible stories mesh rather accurately. I finished this book feeling like there was more to what I was looking for and that I needed to take more small steps into full enjoying and being thankful for the Kingdom of God being what I am living in now and not just something to look forward to in the future.
December 26, 2020
3 stars. I appreciate what the message and heart of this book is, but it did not really do anything for me. Review to come.
June 19, 2024
Started this book because of its cover, finished it because of its simple truths and accessibility to understanding the kingdom of God.
July 27, 2019
This is a must read for anyone who has yearned to make the connection between theology and real life. Melissa does a fantastic job at showing and telling how God is more than just the God of our theology - He is, and must be, the God of the every day. She invites you in, as if you were in a cozy coffee shop chatting with your best friend. Melissa writes as one who has experienced God, personally, in the here and now; not as one who has just wished it were true. She writes from a deep, personal knowing of our God as the One who is truly with us. Even, or maybe especially, in the nitty gritty of life.
July 26, 2019
This book is a Biblical and practical look at how God’s kingdom and presence impact our lives. Melissa is able to take bring up deep theological ideas and themes throughout the book and does so in way that makes them accessible and applicable to the reader. This book gives both encouragement and a challenge to keep our perspective on the eternal whole dealing with the ordinary in the day to day.
July 27, 2019
This book has been comforting to me as I live in a world of fears and doubts. I live in God’s kingdom now !! We are met, always, by a God who is consistent and in control and forgives when we always mess things up. We need redeeming and He will be our God of redemption
Want to read
April 29, 2020This is Melissa Zaldivar’s first book. She is mature beyond her years, having been to seminary and choosing a road of stretching her faith instead of settling for an easy road. She is deeply honest about the things God is teaching her and lessons learned through wrestling with Him.
There was a lot I enjoyed about this book. I found myself highlighting a lot of things on my kindle copy. When I finished the book, I wasn’t sure what the author wanted the reader to take away from the book. To live with a kingdom mindset? To draw closer to God to whom the Kingdom belongs?
In the book, Melissa shared thoughts on several Bible stories, including Naomi and Ruth, Peter, and Joshua. I especially appreciated the insights on Peter’s and Joshua’s lives.
Several thoughts on the Kingdom of God will stick with me, “The Kingdom of God is simple: It’s a gut instinct that we learn to listen to over time. It’s a nudge or a whisper that reminds us that this time that we hoard and the schedules we protect and the to-do lists we manage are actually not the main thing at all.” I definitely struggle with wanting to keep my time under my own control, but I also desperately want to learn to hear and obey His promptings. I’m submitted to the Lord’s pruning in my life.
“If the beauty of the Kingdom surrounds us, and we are called to proclaim it, the enemy wants to silence us...He makes us second-guess and doubt that simple Kingdom instinct in the hopes we will retrain our eyes to see less. If the Kingdom gives us eyes to see, the enemy will do everything he can to distort the image.”
A good debut from a new author. I commend her for stepping out into new territory and for speaking what God placed on her heart. I hope to do the same someday. I would give this a solid 3.5 rating.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
There was a lot I enjoyed about this book. I found myself highlighting a lot of things on my kindle copy. When I finished the book, I wasn’t sure what the author wanted the reader to take away from the book. To live with a kingdom mindset? To draw closer to God to whom the Kingdom belongs?
In the book, Melissa shared thoughts on several Bible stories, including Naomi and Ruth, Peter, and Joshua. I especially appreciated the insights on Peter’s and Joshua’s lives.
Several thoughts on the Kingdom of God will stick with me, “The Kingdom of God is simple: It’s a gut instinct that we learn to listen to over time. It’s a nudge or a whisper that reminds us that this time that we hoard and the schedules we protect and the to-do lists we manage are actually not the main thing at all.” I definitely struggle with wanting to keep my time under my own control, but I also desperately want to learn to hear and obey His promptings. I’m submitted to the Lord’s pruning in my life.
“If the beauty of the Kingdom surrounds us, and we are called to proclaim it, the enemy wants to silence us...He makes us second-guess and doubt that simple Kingdom instinct in the hopes we will retrain our eyes to see less. If the Kingdom gives us eyes to see, the enemy will do everything he can to distort the image.”
A good debut from a new author. I commend her for stepping out into new territory and for speaking what God placed on her heart. I hope to do the same someday. I would give this a solid 3.5 rating.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 17, 2019
Kingdom Come is an inspirational book for women by author Melissa Zaldivar. I was drawn to this book because of the cover and the subtitle.
As the author states this is not a self-help book or a 5-step process book. (p# 20). If you’re weary of faking it til you make it learn to be rather than seem. (p# 21).
This is the author’s debut book and very well written if the reader is looking for a book with more of a story-line. It does include stories from the Bible, as well as that of the author’s life.
What I liked most about the book is that the author wrote in a very personable way. What I liked least is I was expecting a lot more scripture references about living a holy life.
Would I read another book by this same author? Yes. Would I recommend this book to my friends? Yes, because it is written as if the author is sitting and having tea with the reader.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
As the author states this is not a self-help book or a 5-step process book. (p# 20). If you’re weary of faking it til you make it learn to be rather than seem. (p# 21).
This is the author’s debut book and very well written if the reader is looking for a book with more of a story-line. It does include stories from the Bible, as well as that of the author’s life.
What I liked most about the book is that the author wrote in a very personable way. What I liked least is I was expecting a lot more scripture references about living a holy life.
Would I read another book by this same author? Yes. Would I recommend this book to my friends? Yes, because it is written as if the author is sitting and having tea with the reader.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
December 23, 2019
Right here at the beginning, I am supposed to mention that I got this book free from the publisher in hopes that I would give it a review. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Have serious doubts that I am anywhere close to the demographic the author probably imagined as her audience. She's a 20 something year old single woman a 56 year old happily married grandfather, but I have to tell you, I found this book thoroughly engaging. The book speaks of living in the presence and Kingdom of God. Zaldivar is a wonderful storyteller, who gives just enough of personal anecdotes to illustrate her points, yet often leaves them open-ended enough for the reader to draw his or her own conclusion. The book is powerful, challenging and very biblical.
Zaldivar subtitles her book Finding the Holy in the Here and Now and she delivers quite well on this. This book is about living for Jesus in the here and now with an eye toward eternity. This book is targeted to women, but I will tell you every one can gain something from reading it. This is her first full length book and my prayer is that she writes many more. This is one I fully intend on passing around. Pick it up and read it. You won't be disappointed.
Zaldivar subtitles her book Finding the Holy in the Here and Now and she delivers quite well on this. This book is about living for Jesus in the here and now with an eye toward eternity. This book is targeted to women, but I will tell you every one can gain something from reading it. This is her first full length book and my prayer is that she writes many more. This is one I fully intend on passing around. Pick it up and read it. You won't be disappointed.
August 7, 2019
Melissa is a talented writer, I've found, from following her blog so I am so excited that she's put out her first book. Like most human beings, I believe she is learning as she writes, but I don't think that makes her a bad writer by any means. I love that about her writing. She is an author who learns her subject matter in a deeply personal way, and for a book about the REALNESS of God's presence and Kingdom, that trait is perfect. What better way to make something more tangible than to testify its reality in your own life?
Melissa also expresses that her hope as a writer is that people would grow to love Jesus a little more through it, and I'm thankful to say it did. It's a great feeling when something pushes you to pick up your Bible after you've been in a rut and kinda "blah" about reading it. The chapter talking about the book of Ruth not only encouraged me to read through the story again in my Bible, but it taught me to look again at significant details I never knew. Melissa knows her stuff Biblically too and for that, I have mad respect.
Keep going, Melissa! I look forward to your future writing!
Melissa also expresses that her hope as a writer is that people would grow to love Jesus a little more through it, and I'm thankful to say it did. It's a great feeling when something pushes you to pick up your Bible after you've been in a rut and kinda "blah" about reading it. The chapter talking about the book of Ruth not only encouraged me to read through the story again in my Bible, but it taught me to look again at significant details I never knew. Melissa knows her stuff Biblically too and for that, I have mad respect.
Keep going, Melissa! I look forward to your future writing!
August 7, 2019
This is one of those books that is easy to read but deserves to be read more than once. It is written in a casual style, as if the author is speaking to her readers, which makes it easy to read... yet it's full of years of learning that will take more time for me to really process. I think the goal of the book is to get readers to think more about the Kingdom and Presence of God, which permeate our days but we tend not to notice. It does feel like the beginning of a journey, in ways... like I'll now be more aware, my perspective will be different, but it will take lots of practice and application to really get it. This book is fresh, speaking into ideas and situations many of us relate to--our struggle to be present, our doubt that God is safe, our tendency to avoid pain, how uncomfortable we are with the mysteries of God, our hesitancy to take risks, our longing for acceptance, our tendency to find our identity in what we DO, our dreams of meaningful careers, etc. It's a worthwhile read that I know I will be going back to!
August 16, 2019
This book is geared more towards women. I have read many books that are geared towards females that I have taken something form, but this one is more for the ladies in my opinion. The writer differences between the Presence of God and the Kingdom of God.
For me, the examples were too vague to get the points across, but there were some highlights, such as questioning how Christians can long for the presence of God when they can't sit down for a two minute conversation without checking their cell phone, even on vibrate. I would like to see more detailed examples to emphasize the points. Besides my opinion, the writer does an admirable job for a debut.
For an in depth review, visit my page at https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/201...
For me, the examples were too vague to get the points across, but there were some highlights, such as questioning how Christians can long for the presence of God when they can't sit down for a two minute conversation without checking their cell phone, even on vibrate. I would like to see more detailed examples to emphasize the points. Besides my opinion, the writer does an admirable job for a debut.
For an in depth review, visit my page at https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/201...
August 6, 2019
This book is a wonderful read and I’d recommend it to anyone looking to deepen their walk with Christ in a very real, practical way. Melissa Zaldivar writes the way your best friend talks. She steps into the ordinary corners of life and shines the light of the good news. Whether it’s with quirky and humbly honest anecdotes or keen exegetical insights, this book offers profound truth in simple terms and simple steps to profound transformation.
“My relationship with Jesus was like dating someone for rides to school, or marrying someone for help with getting things off the top shelf that I can’t reach myself.
“My relationship with Jesus was like dating someone for rides to school, or marrying someone for help with getting things off the top shelf that I can’t reach myself.
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August 17, 2019"It's not an accident that you have the skills that others do not. And it's not an accident that others have abilities that you lack. He knows what He's doing, and you have a purpose in every moment, in every action, and in every task. Use those opprtuities to build the Kingdom - it's what you were created to do, for the glory of God and the good of others." - Melissa Zaldivar
I loved the voice of this book as much as it's rich theology and enlightened perspective. Well done, Melissa, your first book is as epic as you are. So grateful to get to watch your career blossom, but most of all, to see the Kingdom enriched by your guts for His glory.
I loved the voice of this book as much as it's rich theology and enlightened perspective. Well done, Melissa, your first book is as epic as you are. So grateful to get to watch your career blossom, but most of all, to see the Kingdom enriched by your guts for His glory.
August 20, 2019
Author Melissa Zaldivar has a gift for communicating truth with a keen sense of wit and wisdom. Her authenticity throughout the book reminds us that none of us have it all together. Nor is God asking us to get our stuff together to be in a relationship with us. He simply wants us.
Our greatest good is found in the nearness of God. "If His presence isn't enough, He's not enough," she reminds readers. When we realize that the Kingdom of God (a reality she describes as both now and future) is right here and now, it changes everything.
(As a disclaimer, I received and advanced copy from the publisher, but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.)
Our greatest good is found in the nearness of God. "If His presence isn't enough, He's not enough," she reminds readers. When we realize that the Kingdom of God (a reality she describes as both now and future) is right here and now, it changes everything.
(As a disclaimer, I received and advanced copy from the publisher, but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.)
August 6, 2019
You know how sometimes you read something that touches your soul so deeply it takes your breath away? That was Kingdom Come for me.
Life is movement. You can’t get around it. We can’t stop the day to day actions necessary for life. But we aren’t resigned to living a meaningless non-stop life. We can slow down enough to embrace the presence of God. Melissa Zaldivar shows us how in this book.
Is the book practical? Yes. Does this book speak to both seasoned and new Jesus followers? Yes. However, that isn’t what makes Kingdom Come a book you need to read. You should read it for the way Melissa weaves hope with reality in an engaging and soul exposing way.
It’s beautifully written with touches of humor. It’s honest without being too much. It’s theologically rich, yet accessible. Melissa writes with truth and light to move you from pretending to being.
God’s Kingdom is here. Use this book to help you experience it now.
While I did receive a copy of the book from the publisher, the words are my own. No one tells me what to think. ;)
Life is movement. You can’t get around it. We can’t stop the day to day actions necessary for life. But we aren’t resigned to living a meaningless non-stop life. We can slow down enough to embrace the presence of God. Melissa Zaldivar shows us how in this book.
Is the book practical? Yes. Does this book speak to both seasoned and new Jesus followers? Yes. However, that isn’t what makes Kingdom Come a book you need to read. You should read it for the way Melissa weaves hope with reality in an engaging and soul exposing way.
It’s beautifully written with touches of humor. It’s honest without being too much. It’s theologically rich, yet accessible. Melissa writes with truth and light to move you from pretending to being.
God’s Kingdom is here. Use this book to help you experience it now.
While I did receive a copy of the book from the publisher, the words are my own. No one tells me what to think. ;)
August 3, 2019
This book is like a conversation with a good friend. There are so many nuggets of truth regarding Christ and His kingdom that a highlighter is a must while you are reading it. It is written so anyone reading it no matter where you are in life, married, single, young, middle-aged, older, this book is for you.
August 5, 2019
Enjoyed this book so much. In a time when life can be uncertain and we look everywhere to deal with pain--Melissa reminds us to look for the Holy in our everyday lives. She writes about the Kingdom in a way that will leave you wanting to know Him better and to love Him more. I look forward to reading more of Melissa's writing.
August 6, 2019
Melissa uses her own personal stories of relationship and hardship to show us how much God loves us and desires to be in relationship with us. This books reminded me that God truly is in in the everyday ordinary parts of our lives if we would only notice. I am grateful for how she used theology and teaching to challenge my heart and yet still encourage me. I highly recommend this book!
August 7, 2019
The Kingdom of God can be an abstract concept that doesn’t seem to have much relevance to our daily lives. I so appreciate the way Melissa explains and unpacks the idea of the Kingdom, and also emphasizes the importance and reality of the Presence of God. Her writing is warm and inviting, and there are many reminders of important truths in these pages.
January 6, 2023
this book felt like a beautifully convicting conversation with a friend. i recognized hurt and shortcomings and started to allow healing. for me it emphasized the constant presence of God and the availability of the kingdom where i am right now. noting here to give to my roommates to read
October 30, 2019
Great read! We all need to be reminded to live with our eyes fixed on the kingdom - even in the mundane.
December 31, 2020
One of the best books I read this year. Beautifully written and thought provoking. Love the author's honesty and writing style.
May 20, 2021
It's a good read with some insightful content about the presence of God at work in our lives. The first half kept my attention more than the second half, but I made it to the end.
January 29, 2022
One of my books that will be read again. It is relatable. Imagine having a cup of coffee with a friend and talking about your struggles and joys in this walk of faith. So so good.
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