"WORSHIP CHANGES EVERYTHING ..."

{Note: I'm going to try and squeeze a book review in here that I had hoped to share with you before the holidays so that you might consider this for a CHRISTmas gift; however, as you can see, I'm late; yet this gift of true "worship" would never be late and always welcomed by God ALL YEAR LONG. After all - "a Baby changes everything" and the Magi came much later than the actual birth with "Gifts" so this is a good day. But that is why I so wanted to get and review this book so I'd better hurry because I have it in ADE (digitally) through Bethany House Publishers and it's only available for a certain amount of days in Net Galley, like a library book but at least those you can renew. I have all my posts done and planned into 2016 which means this is now or never.} I can testify that ...

"WORSHIP CHANGES EVERYTHING: 

Experiencing God's Presence in Every Moment of Life"

by

Darlene Zschech

{this book review is a bit different than my others}

[I've never started a book review this way ... however, this woman of God, Darlene Zschech inspires me so much ... if you know who she is (worship leader from Australia, composer, co-pastor of Hope UC, speaker, author, wife, mother, mother-in-love, grandma, cancer survivor, etc. -woman of God, daughter of the King) if you know her story, her life ... her God that she worships so beautifully in song and living life to the fullest, than you'll understand better and love this personal testimony and direction of "WORSHIP CHANGES EVERYTHING: Experiencing God's Presence in Every Moment of Life" as a book and an "Invitation to Praise and Honor God in Every Area of Life" because this is what she does and shows us throughout her book.]

Just look at the cover of this book. Just look at the beaming presence of God reflected through Darlene Zschech's face aglow with having experienced and still experiencing God in and through it ALL. How can you not want to read how every aspect of our life is "worship" or can be from someone who most assuredly knows, so it seems. OK, so maybe I'm a bit biased, since I'm a true fan of her worship music and I so loved her beautiful devotional "Revealing Jesus" (that a dear friend gifted me and I treasure deeply) as I read and reread her words through her books just to let them soak into me as I learn from her to worship Our LORD. 

Oh my goodness, where do I start, except to say how much I want to incorporate her worship style in every part of my life as she has and this book does. It reads like a personal testimony as well as a teaching with plenty of scriptures to back up everything she claims. It was if I was sitting with her discussing each aspect of this and hearing her heart and God's - sister to sister. Her honesty and vulnerability is portrayed and placed well throughout her writing which I love - just like her songs, and heart for people and even human suffering as she works with Compassion through Hope Global. Darlene has the gift of passion and worship, drawing us into incorporating in our daily life, in everything. 

[I love the reviews of 5 stars that I read from others and could not agree more! Wish I could express the same as they have written so well. (sigh) ]

Let's continue from the cover image to what the book flap says (which I don't have as a flap since I'm reading a digital copy) and is perfect for this Christmas season or every season of our lives because this captures God's presence continually with us as Emmanuel "God with us":

"We know God's presence isn't confined to a church building or only available at certain times of day. But we still miss His working even when He is right in front of our very eyes. Why? Because we are still learning the art of knowing and following the voice of the Holy Spirit as He speaks. Two people hear the same song. One experiences God, and one daydreams about something that needs to be done at work next week. Two people face a crisis in life. One experiences an overwhelming sense of grace flood over her in her pain--after all, He is not just present but our very present help in times of trouble (see Psalm 46:1)--while the other feels nothing but hurt, betrayal, and loneliness. Why? It's all about how and where we place our faith and expectation. Don't wait until you have things figured out. Don't wait until you feel spiritual. Expect Him right now. Emmanuel. He is with us."~ Darlene Zschech

{So very, very true!}
"WORSHIP CHANGES EVERYTHING: Experiencing God's Presence in Every Moment of Life" is filled with wisdom as well as worship from various scripture versions (I loved reading the ones from "The Message") and quotes from well-known people like Max Lucado, Corrie Ten Bloom, Joyce Meyer, C.S. Lewis, Charles Spurgeon, Rick Warren, John Piper, Philip Yancey ... to name several). I love how Darlene inserted some "worship" songs along the way that detoured me for awhile into putting on some of her worship songs and worshiping instead of reading. 
{a well-intended diversion but it delayed my finish of the book, along with other interruptions of the season, so it's not an apology just more explanation}
I often found myself stirred while reading and touched so much that I needed to pause and 'minimize' the book so I could meditate on the profound inspiration of hers or other's quotes that she shares. Being passionate about my "worship" time with God caused me to hang on to many of the words written in this book.
I really wanted this review to be more personal and applicable yet still be concise and a thorough review, however, I tend to want to savor "everything" and cannot find the descriptive words like Darlene has written on these pages from her very being and heart. 
"WORSHIP CHANGES EVERYTHING ..." changes me in how I worship. I can testify and concur with Darlene as she wrote early on in "Soli Deo Gloria" part of a worship experience that she experienced when she heard God speak to her heart as a young child and tell her how much He really loved her --- "a defining moment" --- so she never wanted to stop responding to Jesus with praise, love, and thanksgiving from her heart (I can so relate to this): 
"I worship the One who knows me best and loves me most."
"Our lives are forever changed when we worship God for all He is worth with all we are worth."
In "WORSHIP CHANGES EVERYTHING ..." Darlene has divided the book into two parts after a beautiful Introduction "When God Comes Close" ... Each part is separated or begins with a Scripture page and often there is a song as I mentioned. 
Part One really defines the "Heart of Worship" (not just the song) the meaning, worship's derivative ... and chapter by chapter of who God is and why we worship Him because  "He is (so)...  1) Worthy 2) Present 3) Loving 4) His Love for me, my Love for Him 5) My Praise to Him 6) My Gratitude to Him {Amen!!!} 
Part Two walks us through "The Hands of Worship" through   worship in and through EVERYTHING (our practical application): our love for others, our attitude, our words, our suffering, our money, our work, our marriage, our children, our own parents, ... in His sanctuary, in our private worship and in our wilderness times, as service and mission --- even our love of ourselves is included then finalizing in our Eternity ... with Him.
{now that's an awful lot to cover in a 176 page my ADE digital copy but I read it's 256 pages, but still. I guess I need a hard copy. I just realized that my copy was not complete.}. 
Each time I finished a section, I thought it was my favorite, however the concluding chapters of in "Private Worship" and "In the Wilderness" actually were until I re-read "Eternity" (the final chapter) and reflected as Darlene summarized where this journey of worship will continue and where we have been throughout each part of her book and her prayer for us, the readers ... 
"My prayer is that God, through the teaching and inner working of the Holy Spirit will use "Worship Changes Everything..." to deepen, widen, strengthen and nourish you in worship; to help you live, love, pray, praise, work, walk, serve, give, overcome - to breathe - in the presence of God."
It's as if this worship experience keeps getting better and better and is unending ...
"Worship changes everything because it invades and pervades every aspect of our life. It shows up in our relationships and is often characterized by how deeply we love others..."
I highly recommend this book on worship if you need a spark to light your passion for worship once again and realizing that every moment is an opportunity to birth Jesus anew in you and others, in service and a mission, it really is an invitation to enter in to worship (and I'm not just talking about songs) but your relationship with Our Creator. I also believe this is a wonderful book of a testimony of a godly woman of worship who shares from the depths of her heart, from God's Word and so many other really great leaders of faith that she quotes.
The one small downfall in this book, is that Darlene seems to write like me or how my thoughts go, jumping from one topic to another. {I even read this in some of the other reviews that were not 5 star ones, so it just wasn't me.} Darlene also realizes that she covered many miles on a variety of topics in her final summary ... 

***

My biggest regret in choosing this book to review through Net Galley, is not being able to keep it and be refreshed continually with the inspiration and motivation that Darlene gives yet I thank her and know that "the best is yet to be" in Eternity. And each day, we are closer and I can't wait. {I can always get a Kindle version, right?} I am immensely blessed to have had this opportunity to read this throughout the Advent and Christmas season through Net Galley and Bethany House Publishers. I'm thankful that they made this possible ... the lessons gained in worship from Darlene Zschech. 

Disclosure of material connection: I received this book free from the publisher Bethany House Publishers and their book review blogger's program through Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

{Sorry about the "peach" colored words not showing up so well, but I wanted to connect with Darlene's cover. And if I failed by changing my style of review and personal thoughts too much, I apologize. Also I am told that I can get a connection between Kindle and Net Galley with my Kindle email but I have not figured that out yet - technically challenged - I need to write Kindle, I guess and ask.}

HEART ❤️ PROJECT

My Chiquitita
begged me to share this one {she's not even a real beagle, just thinks she is and kinda looks like one} and told me to dedicate this to Marty (fortunately neither one of them had a life so "ruff") [photo credit: Sharon]

BEAGLE FREEDOM PROJECT

 ❤️
{OK, so it's not my project, but I still care}

Just watch the
LOVE

Here's some of the articles I found here that you can read and find out more about these Beagles:

"Beagles Freed From Lab Cages Discover What It Means To Truly Be Alive"  "Beagles Freed After Years In Lab Cages Touch Grass For The First Time"  "Dogs Trapped In Labs Given Hope For A Loving Family"

The Animal Rescue Site

made me aware of this {I use to have the buttons on my blogs to click daily and give} My MISSIONS blog keeps me aware of doing this It's so easy just go to the site and click

To learn how to adopt a rescued beagle, or find out other ways to help, visit the Beagle Freedom Project's website

I, for one, can't resist the cute face of a

BEAGLE
 ❤️
{too bad, I already have 4 furry friends to care for}

Plus, I promised someone back in MN, I would not rescue any more
furry friends, wanting to bring them home with me

Even if it's not
my usual
FRIDAY FOCUS
it's worth
sharing
the  care of precious Beagles


Pass on
the Rescue Beagle info
please

"GLORY DAYS..."

How timely is this title! Declaration of "Glory Days"

..."These days are Glory Days. My past is past, my future is bright,God’s promises are true and His Word is sure. With God as my helper,I will be all He wants me to be,do all He wants me to do,and receive all He wants me to receive. These days are Glory Days."

"GLORY DAYS"

"Glory Days ... " by Max Lucado, is simply a glorious rendition of Joshua with lessons we can learn through another of Max Lucado's finest, not to be missed books, especially if you're in the midst of a battle or trial, in need of some encouragement and the strength to encounter your vision of the Promised Land that is yours for the taking of really, actually "...Living Your Promised Land Now." The contrast to the immigrants that first came to America seeking entering into a bright, new beginning is such a wonderful insight to how we too might seek our new beginning in Christ and God's Promises. 

I just love the down to earth writings of Max Lucado, yet somehow this one is still filled with so much GLORY! It is sadly true that "Life has a way of taking the life out of us" so that "often we go through situations where the challenge seems so much greater than our strength" however Max has a way of teaching and retelling the story of Joshua in this new release of "Glory Days" with lessons that are still true for us today, where we can find hope and inspiration from Joshua, to move us from whatever our "wilderness situation" or wanderings may be into a new mindset of victory toward our own Promised Land. Max has a special gift of writing that makes stories in the Bible come alive as he relates Joshua to our own lives in a wonderful story-like fashion as if you can hear him actually telling you this and opening your eyes to grasping the truths so you can live this faith and believe the promises that your best days - our "glory" days - are still ahead of us.

After reading each of his 16 chapters of "Glory Days" that parallels with chapters from Joshua in the Bible, you will have a new, victorious mindset of "God Fighting for You" and giving you a new vision for your life where you can move "from a wilderness existence into a promised inheritance". And if you follow and do the *added bonus* included, you will be better equipped to deal with "Life" - your Christian life - following God's promises for every step and "Living your Promised Land Now" as more than a conqueror. The chapter that stood out the most to me, for me personally, was "Voices, Choices, and Consequences" wisely followed by "Pray Audacious Prayers" which I did and will continue to do, as I lean on God to fight my battles, learning this truth: that I (like those in Canaan with Joshua) not fight for victory rather from victory, the one Christ has already won and I cling to believing and receiving. "Heeding God's Word is more critical than fighting God's war." I do want the Promised Land life and desire the fullness of "Glory Days" ... I long to experience Canaan ("a life defined by grace, refined by challenge and aligned with a heavenly call") to the fullest, which I learned reading this (as if I did not know or hear this before) requires obedience to God's commands. As Max writes: "In God's plan, in God's land, we win more than we lose, forgive as quickly as we are offended and give as abundantly as we receive." Obedience leads to blessings and favor. "Security comes as we put God's precepts to practice. We're only as strong as our obedience." I need all of the benefits of obedience. Since I know I am a child of God's, I need to choose obedience since I am indwelt by His Holy Spirit, I am equipped and empowered for an eternal assignment, not an easy life but one that is blessed; hearing the right voice, making the best choice, enjoying blessing upon blessing.

"Obedience, " wrote C.S. Lewis in "Yours, Jack: Spiritual Direction from C.S. Lewis", "is the key to all doors."

Thankful to know  it's the key for me and I do believe after reading "Glory Days" that I will have a "Crossing Over" moment or moments soon, because I now see the "potential of a Promised Land life" better and I will break forth from my many years of "wilderness wanderings" and "dry desert days" into fully experiencing more of God and His promises. I highly recommend this book as a small group study or individually. I was not at all surprised how much I loved and learned once again from Max Lucado, knowing that the truths in "Glory Days" is one book I will refer back to again and again to be reminded with God's help "I can ..." and even a not so favorite book in the Bible - like "Joshua" - due to its bloody battles and violence, can reveal how I will better embrace God's grace through times like these.

The website for this book (glory days book (dot) com) is filled with many other bonuses as well as through Faith Gateway (a free 64 page - ebook as a companion book to the "Glory Days" of 40 Promises for everyday battles - it's great and just as worthwhile as this book)! My favorite part is the Study Guide!

***BIG BONUS included!***

I just LOVE the STUDY GUIDE

included {actually just called} "Questions for Reflection" by David Drury broken into 3 categories Take a look at the intro to the Study Guide:

"YOUR WILDERNESS questions come from the struggling seasons of life, born of waiting, disappointment, discouragement, or heartache. For the Hebrews it was a season of wandering for forty years in the desert. Your wilderness, a wasteland of unfulfilled hopes and dreams, may feel no less barren. However hard such wandering can be, it can also be a season of spiritual growth and learning. These questions are designed to help you learn about God and yourself during your wanderings. YOUR CROSSING MOMENT questions point to a symbolic Jordan River that separates your current life from the Promised Land life that is possible for you. You can cross over to this life because you have victory in all things through God, who showed His great love for you (Rom. 8:37 NCV). These questions will help you find motivation and practical steps to move out in faith and enter God’s promised life. YOUR PROMISED LAND questions will inspire you to see the potential of your Promised Land life. It can be hard to imagine what a life of victory looks like. Those who have experienced victory are sometimes so humbled by it that they don’t share how it feels to win over sin and shame and sickness. But victory is not only possible for the faithful; it is promised by God. You can close the gap between the person you are and the person you want to be! It’s time to fully experience the Promised Land life. "

"GLORY DAYS..." releases  September 15th

Author Chat LIVE web link (video to view later)

Monday, September 14, 2015 at 11:00 am EST/ 8:00 am PST

I've shared more in other posts before today's 'cause I could hardly wait as I read and enjoyed both the book and the e-book!!! And, of course, I wanted you to be able to enjoy being blessed too! Enjoy your GLORY DAYS!

* not to be confused with Bruce Springsteen's "Glory Days" so be sure you add book or Max Lucado with it "PRAY Audacious PRAYERS" a sample of Max's "Glory Days" at Faith Gtaeway

Disclosure of material connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the book review blogger's program BookLookBloggers . I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the F T Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255