Joshua Cooley is a New York Times bestselling author who has written or contributed to more than twenty books for kids, teens, and adults. That’s quite an accomplishment! His newest devotional for kids, Heros of the Bible–Devotional 2, released on May 5. I asked him some questions so we can learn more about Josh and his books.

Please share about the book’s title, Heroes of the Bible Devotional. Are the individuals we read about in the Bible really heroes?
Well, yes and no. They were ordinary people and big sinners, in need of God’s grace—just like us. They had major flaws—just like we do. Yet they also showed remarkable, God-given faith; displayed courage in severe trials; helped build God’s Kingdom; and played vital roles in his redemptive plan for humanity. For those heroic deeds of faith, they will always be remembered.

What’s new and different about this sequel compared to your original?
This book features all new heroes, including many lesser-known (but no less important) biblical individuals. Kids will learn about fascinating people such as Rahab, Ehud, Hannah, Asaph, Habakkuk, Zechariah, Malachi, Barnabas, Lydia, Aquila and Priscilla, Titus, and many more that you don’t often find in other Christian kids’ literature. Each daily devotion also includes a new feature: Hero Highlight. This is a fun fact to help kids learn more about the hero in that story.

You included a bonus section featuring 10 early church fathers and mothers. Why did you add this to the devotional?
This is a new feature, too, which I’m excited about! The bonus section includes early Christians such as Ignatius, Polycarp, Perpetua, Augustine, and more. They were the links between the apostolic age of the church in the first century AD and the incredible spread of Christianity throughout the world in the centuries that followed. Many of these early believers were persecuted or martyred for their faith. As I wrote in the bonus section intro, “Many other followers of Jesus have gone before us, clinging to the Lord in good times and bad. A true hero for God is part of an amazing family of faith that stretches back in time for thousands of years.” I hope that’s encouraging to kids!

What is your favorite feature of this book?
I don’t know if I can pick just one! I love the cover and the artwork. I love the chance to highlight different heroes of the faith. I love helping kids learn about post-biblical heroes whom God used to keep growing his Kingdom. And of course, I love the opportunity to help today’s kids grow in their own faith. What a blessing!

How can studying the lives of heroes of the Bible help kids grow in their faith?
Hebrews 12:1-2 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Whether you’re a young believer or a longtime follower of Christ, I think it’s encouraging to know that there are countless others who went before us, worshiping the same God and trusting in the same Savior. That legacy of faith throughout the centuries is a powerful witness to the truth and enduring power of the gospel.

Almost a third of the heroes in the book are females. Was that intentional?
Absolutely. Some of the most extraordinary stories in Scripture feature women of faith. To whom did Jesus first appear after his resurrection? A group of women! In a male-dominated society that often discounted women’s testimony, that’s a powerful statement. I want girls to know that all of God’s promises, power, and love is available to them too. (The fact that I’m a girl dad x 4 might have a little bit to do with this. Ha!)

One of the book’s main messages seems to be how God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Why is that important?
That’s an important message for today’s kids because we’re all very ordinary! Nowhere in Scripture did God pick someone who was already a superstar to do great things for him. He called people who were weak, timid, often faithless and wayward, and overall, pretty rough around the edges to show that the results were by his power alone and that the glory belongs to him. What an encouragement to all of us ordinary people in the 21st century! When kids begin to understand that they don’t have to bring anything special to God other than faith, he’ll start working in them and through them! The overall message that I want kids to walk away with is that just like he did with the saints of old, God can use them to do great things for his Kingdom through faith in Christ.

Thank you, Joshua. This sounds like a book that every family, church, and Christian school needs.

Here’s to raising more Heros for God!

Crystal Bowman

To find out more about Joshua and his books, visit: joshuacooleyauthor.com

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