by Shelby Keesee

Recently, a book titled Living for God was published by JHS student author Jeremy Baker, a junior. The book’s inspiration came from Baker’s own reflection and experiences and discusses daily faith and intentional living.

Baker has published two books, A Heart for God and Living for God on Amazon. Both books provide guidance and acceptance through God. A Heart for God, Baker’s first book, originates from a time where Baker realized he wanted God to be part of his life. This experience later developed into the book’s cover and overall concept.

“I have experience in journaling a lot, especially about situations, struggles, lessons and conversations I had with God,” said Baker. “What started it all was I had an image in mind of a torch with a blazing flame; then I thought about a heart – my own heart, and it made me think about having a burning desire for God in your heart.”

A Heart for God rewarded Baker with personal growth, reflection, and an idea for Living for God, Baker’s recent book.

“From there, I started growing more and more, and there was a time when I was reflecting on what I’ve been doing and how much I changed, and how much I was wanting to live for God, which became the idea for my second book, Living for God,” he said.

Baker summarized both of his works, offering insight for anyone interested in his books”

A Heart for God

“A Heart for God is a guide for anyone who feels lost, feels emptiness in their heart, or is spiritually distant and wants something that’s real. This book guides the readers through recognizing the emptiness they have, to understanding purpose, overcoming struggles like temptations and distractions and builds a strong spiritual foundation.”

Living for God

“Living For God is a book that is like, shifting from that desire of the heart for God, to daily action and applying it once you have that heart for Him. The first book focuses on developing the heart; Living for God focuses on living it out.”

The two books contain progression, starting from transformation to applying faith and belief our daily lives.

Baker said his favorite book was A Heart for God because it was the first book he published, and due to its topics of desire and faith.

Describing his first book as the start for everything, Baker said, “Before you can truly live intentionally or live for God, there has to be a genuine desire in your heart, [and] without that desire, it doesn’t last. It’s also my favorite because it represents the beginning of my journey, which without it I probably would’ve never made the second book, Living For God.”

An experience on the school bus opened a door for Baker to explore his own faith and eventually begin his writing journey.

“What inspired me to write my books started on the bus when school was over. I saw this one girl who was speaking about God and strong foundations; it deeply impacted me a lot and I felt so much peace in the area. It sparked a strong desire in me to pursue God intentionally.”

Baker said this strong desire led him to follow God, which allowed him to write about his experiences and gain another desire: impacting his readers.

“The impact I want to make with my books is helping (young/adults) people feel very purposeful and hopeful, and reminding them that they were placed here intentionally by God,” stated Baker. “I want the readers to recognize that God is present in every moment of their lives, whether they’re happy, angry, or going through something difficult. I want people to think more deeply about their actions, their motives, and the direction of their lives.”

Faith and purpose are both crucial to Baker because he believes in individuality and that each person has his or her own talents and purposes in life.

“This is important to me because I’ve seen how people, especially around my age, get distracted,” he said. “A lot of people live by only the moment without asking, ‘What can I do now that will matter in the future?’ I feel called to speak to my generation about faith in a way that encourages discipline and intentional living. I don’t want people to waste the gifts and the potential that God has given them.”

Both works are recommended by Baker if readers need faith, purpose and direction.

“I would recommend these books to anyone, young and older. Or if anyone feels maybe unsure about their direction in life, or feel distracted. I also want readers to know that faith is about being willing to seek, grow, and live intentionally.”

Canva’s beginner-like tools enabled Baker to design his book covers. Baker has experience in graphic design and recommends Adobe Illustrator for advanced designs.

Baker discovered the Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing platform, which guided him to publishing his books online.

“I researched the Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and watched tutorials on YouTube to understand each step on how I can get my book on Amazon,” said Baker. “I learned about formatting, trim sizes, and cover dimensions. At one point I was hiring someone through Fiverr to fix some errors with my book, but after looking into Amazon’s Cover Creator tool, I was able to fix the errors myself, which is how I was able to publish my second book.”

Not only is Baker a growing author, but he is working in the fashion industry.

“In addition to writing, I’m also at the moment working on a future clothing brand business, working in the fashion industry, which is a long term thing I am committed to doing.”

Additionally, he is committed to publishing a third book, which remains untitled for now, as he is in the “researching stages of working on a third book, taking time to study, reflect and gather everything I need before I fully jump into it.”

Baker said he wishes to reach readers from every religion and inform them about their worth.

“Even for those who may not believe, I do hope my books at least encourage them to recognize that their life has purpose, and that they were placed here for a reason.”