Book Review: Just Like Us by Stef Liston

Stef Liston is a regular preacher at Newday where his anointed, dynamic and passionate preaching impacts many young people. He is currently planting Revelation Church in London.

'Just Like Us' is his first book, and takes a look at many characters throughout scripture to see what lessons we can learn from them. Stef draws out how they are just like us, and yet points to the incredible ways they walk with God.

His book is both encouraging and very challenging. It is very accessible, with short, punchy chapters that end with a summary and questions for further reflection. I'm not sure if this book is aimed more towards young people, but the theology certainly isn't lightweight and the engaging writing style and succinct chapter structure really enabled the message of each chapter to hit home each time.

The chapters, and things that spoke to me, are outlined below:

1. Jacob: Persevering in wrestling with God unlocks a change in us, and God's blessing.
2. Moses: Successful intercession is based upon knowledge of the character and promises of God.
3. Gideon: Enquiring of God reveals more about the reality of the situation.
4. Hannah: Suffering and desperation connect us with God, teach us about our need, and give God a door to demonstrate his glory and goodness.
5. Solomon: God loves to answer prayers based upon his already promised favour.
6. Elijah: He was just like us; he was a servant of God; He knew who he was; he persevered in prayer in what God had called him.
7. Elisha: Prayer unlocks revelation.
8. Mary: Prayers of surrender remind us it's God we serve and attack roots of unbelief in our lives.
9. The Other Mary: God loves silence before him, so he can speak.
10. Jesus: Faith is a gift from God when we ask him for it.
11. Jesus: Unforgiveness opposes intimacy with God.
12. The Early Church: There is power in corporate prayer.
13. Paul & Silas: Our praise and prayer during pain reveal where we are really at.
14. The Martyrs: God will judge in his time.
15. John: The heart of the Christian life is "Come, Lord Jesus."

Overall, I'd sum up the books message as this: prayer effectiveness and intimacy with Jesus are interwoven.

I recommend this book wholeheartedly to anyone of any age who wants to be challenged to grow in prayer and walk with Jesus.

The Honesty Of Confession - Part 3

As I've been looking through Psalm 32, I've come to the end of the psalm, and the final confession that I see. The third type of confession is Confession Of The Saviour.

Verse 11 is an encouragement to keep my eyes focused on God. Irrespective of the sin or circumstances I may be dealing with, the only way I can keep a heavenly perspective is by keeping my eyes on Jesus.

This verse challenges me to be glad in the Lord. How do I manage to do so when my very life seems to have nothing to be glad about?! How I answer that question reveals much of my attitude and my values.

I love to view what I value the most. This is true in the physical - whether it be creation, or a work of art, or considering a piece of music or a person.... but whatever it is, my focus gets drawn to linger on what is important to me at that moment in time.

This is true spiritually as well. If my focus is on my circumstances, or my lack, or my pain, then how will I be glad in the Lord? I won't - I'll begin to doubt the goodness of God. Or the sovereignty of God. Or both!

So my challenge is keeping my focus upwards, on Christ. And I find that whilst the reality doesn't always immediately change, my attitude to it certainly does.

This truth has made me realise that there must be a difference between happiness and joy. Joy is deeper I think, which is why it is a fruit of the Spirit. Being glad in the Lord is joyfully remembering and reflecting on Jesus, even when I'm not happy about things that are going on.

Who he is.

What he has done.

If I struggle with finding fuel for the fire of thanksgiving, I can look back at verses 1 and 2 for a reminder!

Perhaps the battle to maintain a heavenly perspective is what Paul meant when he wrote about learning the secret of contentment in all things?

Verse 11 also reminds me that I must be able to rejoice, because he has made me righteous! I still cannot get my head around the truth of the gospel: that Christ took my punishment, and I get his purity. That in itself is enough to never struggle with worship ever again. And its by faith - trust - alone! Romans 10:9 states its beautifully.

Whenever I take my eyes from Christ, I take things into my own hands. My self-sufficiency rears its ugly, anti-faith head and I default to trying to influence and control my own circumstances. Its not always the best course of action.

Confessing Jesus is Lord is not just a movement of the lips but a movement of the heart. Especially when things are less than how I would like. But what am I confessing when I remember Jesus is Lord?

I'm remembering that Jesus is the risen Lord. He has conquered death, and death has no sting for me. My life will never end - I will just pass from this world to the next.

I'm confessing Jesus is the victorious Lord. He has won me from the clutches of the evil one. The curse of sin has been broken. The curse of my sin has been broken!

Jesus is the ascended Lord. He sits in the place of honour at the right hand of Almighty God. He is forever interceding for me, praying for grace and strength for me.

This risen Lord Jesus is the one who reigns over death. He reigns in life, and over life. He reigns over me. And he is for me!

These confessions keep me close to him and keep me mindful of him. They help me keep a heavenly perspective of my sin or my situation. Just like Hebrews 12:2 says, I want to look at Jesus - the founder and perfect of my faith.

Being truthful about who Jesus is and what he has done leads me closer to him and builds intimacy with him. Confessing the truth about my saviour to my saviour is an act of worship and contrition at the same time.

Ultimately, confession is simply honesty. Honesty to God about myself, my life and who he is.