New Book by Oceanside Pastor Explores the God Who Draws Near
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — July 14, 2026
In A Christian’s Pocket Guide to the Presence of God, Daniel R. Hyde traces one of Scripture’s most beautiful themes — from Eden to the New Creation — in a concise guide for everyday Christians.
OCEANSIDE, Calif. — Christian Focus Publications has released A Christian’s Pocket Guide to the Presence of God (July 14, 2026; 160 pages; paperback and ebook), the newest title from author and pastor Daniel R. Hyde. In an age when many believers think of God’s presence as a fleeting feeling or an elusive mystical experience, Hyde makes the case that Scripture tells a very different story: the Triune God personally and covenantally draws near to His people — and always has.
Written for personal devotion, small groups, and any reader longing to know the comfort of God’s nearness, the book traces the storyline of the Bible through the lens of God’s presence — from the Garden of Eden, through the tabernacle and temple, to the incarnation of Jesus Christ as Immanuel, “God with us,” the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the eternal glory of the New Creation.
Readers of this brief, accessible guide will:
Trace the storyline of Scripture through the lens of God’s presence, from creation to consummation.
See how God pursues His people even in seasons of rebellion, wilderness, and exile.
Discover Jesus Christ as the ultimate revelation of God’s nearness.
Understand the Holy Spirit’s work in making God’s presence a daily reality.
Be encouraged in worship, prayer, and perseverance, knowing God goes with them wherever they go.
“God’s presence is not something we have to conjure up or chase after,” Hyde says. “From the first pages of Genesis to the last pages of Revelation, the story of the Bible is the story of a God who delights to dwell with His people. My hope is that this little book helps ordinary Christians see that glorious reality — and live in the joy of it.”
The book has drawn early praise from church leaders. Mike Neglia, lead pastor of Calvary Cork in Ireland and host of The Expositor’s Collective, commends it for showing that God’s nearness is a gift of grace enjoyed in Christ rather than an experience believers must manufacture. Jonathan Black, principal of the Apostolic Church Theology School in the UK, calls it a “brief, but wonderfully biblical book” demonstrating that when Scripture speaks of God’s presence, it is speaking of God Himself.
About the Author
Daniel R. Hyde (PhD, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) has been the founding pastor of Oceanside United Reformed Church in Carlsbad/Oceanside, California, since 2000. He teaches at various seminaries and conference across the world and is the author of numerous books, including This Is the Word of the Lord. He writes at www.danielrhyde.com.
Availability
A Christian’s Pocket Guide to the Presence of God (ISBN 978-1-5271-1425-8) is available now in paperback and ebook from Christian Focus Publications, Amazon, and wherever Christian books are sold.
Review copies, interviews, and speaking inquiries: Members of the media may request a review copy, schedule an interview, or inquire about speaking with the author via Daniel R. Hyde’s contact page.