Like Him - Julia Stevens

 

Like Him is full of inspiration, prayers, poems, encouragement and spiritual experiences to help you seek His Kingdom first. This warm and loving book is a devotional of exploration into identity.

'May our Father in heaven give you the Spirit of Wisdom and revelation so that you may know Him better.'
Ephesians 1:17

* * * * * * *

As a young child Julia Stevens saw her severely depressed mother's life transformed by faith.  In time she followed her mum's path and discovered her own faith. A faith which has certainly been transformational in her own life.

Early in the book Julia says 'When you know the Lord, you know more who you are and who the Lord has called you to be'. She has come a very long way from the young girl with anxiety and OCD she used to be. Her immersive faith has given her strength and self-worth and it's very clear that she has a calling and deep commitment to helping others to both understand who Jesus is, and to understand just how important they are to Him.

Although there are many biographical elements, this is primarily a devotional and teaching book, split into twelve chapters, each studying a different theme. 

My own experience of day-to-day faith is very different to Julia's, and yet there is still much with which I connected in this book, in particular in the chapter In the Beginning, You Were Made in His Likeness.  The following phrases are marked in my copy:

'His Kingdom accepts those who are weak because your life is strong when it is dependent on His strength and not your own. He knows that you are on a journey of being transformed into His likeness.'

'You can decide not to be defined by your own feelings or perception about yourself; but be defined instead by what He says about you.'

and:

'Ask God to help you see yourself how He sees you.'

Later sections of the book talk further about the choices we make ourselves, day by day, to be more aware of God - and the importance of doing this as an ongoing part of life, during work, rest, and worship.

Chapter headings are:

Where I've Been

The I AM - I Am Like Him

In the Beginning, You Were Made in His Likeness

When We See Him, We Become Like Him

Ruling and Reigning in His Love

Sanctuary

Menorah

Be Continually Filled 

Adam and Ishah

Sons and Daughters, Kings and Priests

You Are A House of Prayer

Who I am, a Testimony

Each chapter contains something which is likely to resonate with or challenge the reader.  This is a book which is ideal for picking up and reading a chapter at a time, and then giving your mind and spirit time and space to reflect on the elements which have stood out for you.

You will find Julia Stevens up to something creative most days, whether it is making glass mosaics, singing with a harp or writing a line on the blog: treeoflife195@wordpress.com Julia has a degree in creative writing from Chichester University; she and her husband run a small business, have two adult children and are part of their local church family.

There is a place where love does dwell.

There is a name: Immanuel

He dwells inside,

He dwells within,

In unseen realm so real, to true.

The King of all, He dwells in you.

(Song by Julia Stevens)

Available on Kindle: Kindle Edition

In print on Julia's website: Print Edition

Note: for transparency, I was sent an advance copy of this book, but I was not required to write any specific or favourable review. All views herein are my own.